Manchester United Women have received a welcome boost ahead of their crucial Manchester derby against Manchester City, with forward Lea Schuller declared available after an injury scare during last weekend’s victory over Liverpool.

Schuller raised concerns about her fitness after appearing to hurt herself while celebrating her goal against Liverpool. The incident prompted questions about whether she would be able to feature against City, but manager Eva Olid has now confirmed that the forward remains available for selection.

United Women head into the derby in excellent form, having recorded six consecutive victories under Olid. Their impressive run has strengthened belief within the squad and provided encouragement as they prepare for one of their most demanding tests of the campaign.

However, facing Manchester City presents a significant challenge for the in-form side, with the local rivals expected to provide a stern examination of United’s recent progress.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Olid provided an update on the squad’s fitness and explained that there had been no new developments concerning the team’s injury situation. Her comments indicated that the players already dealing with longer-term problems remain unavailable, while Schuller has recovered sufficiently to be considered for the encounter.

“No updates, just the same long-term injuries we had,” Olid told Manchester United’s media team and reporters before the highly anticipated match.

Schuller’s availability gives the manager another attacking option as United look to maintain their winning momentum. Her presence could prove valuable in a fixture where attacking efficiency and taking advantage of scoring opportunities may be decisive.

Nevertheless, Olid will still be without several players who remain in recovery. Celin Bizet Donnum, Jayde Riviere and Emma Watson are all expected to miss the derby because of their respective injury problems, limiting the manager’s options in different areas of the team.

Fridolina Rolfo will also be absent as she prepares for motherhood following her pregnancy announcement in September. Her unavailability represents another setback for United’s selection plans ahead of the meeting with their city rivals.

Despite those absences, United Women have reasons to approach the contest with confidence. Six successive wins have demonstrated the team’s ability to produce consistent results under Olid, while the players’ recent performances suggest that the squad is adapting positively to her management.

Extending that run against Manchester City, however, will require concentration, tactical discipline and effective teamwork. United must also manage the pressure associated with a derby in which both teams will be eager to secure local bragging rights.

A victory could have wider implications for the Women’s Super League table, potentially helping United reduce the distance between themselves and their rivals. The result could therefore prove important beyond the immediate rivalry between the Manchester clubs.

With Schuller available and several attacking options still at her disposal, Olid will hope her side can build on its recent success. United Women will aim to deliver another strong performance, preserve their winning streak and secure a significant result against Manchester City.