Women's Super League

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Liverpool will be without midfielder Marie Hobinger for Sunday's game at Manchester United due to a groin injury.

The 23-year-old Austrian international will have a scan this weekend.

Matt Beard's side are also without defenders Gemma Evans and Hannah Silcock, who both sustained concussion on international duty with Wales and England's under-23s respectively.

"It's a big blow. We haven't got any of the others back that were injured, apart from Jasmine Matthews," said manager Beard.

"It has been a bit frustrating. The injuries just keep mounting up."

It means 17-year-old Zara Shaw is set to start against United as Liverpool hope to close the six-point gap their rivals currently have on them.

"I thought she was excellent against Newcastle and she had a fantastic [under-17s] World Cup," said Beard.

"She's a dream to work with. When she did her anterior cruciate ligament, the way she went about it was so mature and so positive.

"She's a fantastic talent. She's going to be a great player in the future. If I could have played her at 15 years old, I would have because she was ready then."

Emily Herbert
BBC Radio London

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Arsenal interim boss Renee Slegers will remain in charge until the new year but says the club is doing "a really good job" to find a permanent manager.

The Gunners have been without a manager since Jonas Eidevall's departure in October but remain unbeaten in all competitions under Slegers' leadership.

"I'm happy to contribute to the team. I was really happy in the role I was contributing in before, and now I'm stepping in doing this," said Slegers.

"I think there's such a big group of people doing a really good job - players and staff - and I want to highlight everyone. I enjoy the role and the togetherness.

"A permanent manager is best for the club, obviously. We need to plan ahead because we don't know when the permanent manager will be here.

"I know the club is doing a really good job to try and find the right manager for the future."

Other talking points from Slegers' press conference:

• Midfielder Lia Walti underwent surgery during the international break and will remain in Switzerland during her recovery.

• Defender Steph Catley has returned to training after pulling out of the Australia squad with injury.

• Slegers said it was "really nice" to welcome back Amanda Ilestedt, who trained with the squad after giving birth to her first child.

• "It's nice to have Amanda back in the building, along with her little baby. She's doing really well, but there's no specific time I can share with you now."

• Meanwhile, midfielder Victoria Pelova continues to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury but has joined some team training sessions.

Chris Slegg
BBC Sport

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Tottenham manager Robert Vilahamn insists he'll continue to play "brave, attacking football" against Everton despite his team's defensive woes.

Spurs have conceded 21 goals – more than any other side in the Women's Super League this season.

"I'm not going into this game to try and have a clean sheet," said the Swede. "If you look at how we prioritise, we want to score a lot of goals."

A run of five defeats in their last six WSL matches means Spurs now sit just two points above bottom club Crystal Palace.

Tottenham have won just one of the 10 WSL meetings with Everton to date and will slip below the Toffees if they lose at Brisbane Road.

But Vilahamn says he's looking up the table, not down: "If we win this game we can be top six which is the same as last season. So, if you look at it that way, is it actually that terrible?"

Tottenham are boosted by the return of Spain international Maite Oroz who has been out since mid-October.

"She is on another level," said Vilahamn. "She was a big signing for us. She can find those progressive passes."

However, there's a blow with news that defender Ella Morris will be out for 10-12 weeks having sustained a serious knee injury while with the England under-23s.

Emily Herbert
BBC Radio London

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West Ham manager Rehanne Skinner says recent performances have given her side "a big confidence boost" ahead of a crucial clash with Crystal Palace.

Both sides are tied on five points at the bottom of the table but Skinner hopes West Ham can gain momentum heading into the Christmas break.

"We've been playing well, creating good chances, and scoring quality goals," said Skinner.

"The performance against Brighton was strong, even if the result didn't go our way. Then to go to London City Lionesses, a team with talented internationals, and win 4-1 was a big confidence boost.

"This is a tough league - it's why we all want to be here. But we have set targets for ourselves. We're focused on finishing in a stronger position."

Skinner has been pleased with the support West Ham have had at home games and hopes to draw on that in their high-stakes game on Sunday.

"We won't hold back - it's a derby, and we're going for it," said Skinner.

"Palace are improving in every game, but we want to make life as difficult as possible for them this weekend."

Emily Herbert
BBC Radio London

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace manager Laura Kaminski believes her team is ready to turn recent performances into points as they prepare to face London rivals West Ham.

The Eagles are currently bottom of the Women's Super League and are level on points with West Ham.

But Kaminski is confident her team has learned quickly in their first season in the WSL and backs them to pick up points.

"We're scoring goals and creating chances, which is important," Kaminski said. "Now, it's about managing moments in games.

"We've been working hard on composure and control, and I believe that will make the difference for us."

With Tottenham, Manchester United, and Arsenal next on their schedule, Kaminski is keen to keep the pressure off her players.

"This is another opportunity for points, and that's how we're approaching it," she added.

"The table shifts quickly, and while it's tight at the bottom, we're backing ourselves to get something out of every game."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

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Everton manager Brian Sorensen says he is "not worried about anything" as his side try to climb up the Women's Super League table.

The Toffees have just one win from eight matches after another injury-hit campaign and a quiet transfer window.

Following their match against Tottenham on Sunday, Everton face rivals Liverpool in the Women's League Cup, before hosting title challengers Manchester City.

"We have three games coming up where we can certainly get some points," said Sorensen.

"I am not worried about anything. I would like to have some more players in but we are where we are.

"We do not look at the table, we look at the performance and where the team is at. Many times, I have been happy with the performance.

"We are good enough to get something from Spurs. We had the same issues before the Liverpool [WSL] game, but gave a good performance.

"We have many games in front of us and a job to do."

Chelsea striker Sam Kerr is not expected to return until February or March, says manager Sonia Bompastor.

The Australian international suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January 2024 during a club training camp.

Kerr, 31, is one of several Chelsea players currently out with the knee injury, as well as midfielder Sophie Ingle, defender Kadeisha Buchanan and striker Mia Fishel.

Meanwhile, England international Lauren James is expected to be out until the new year.

James, 23, has not featured since October’s victory over FC Twente in the Women’s Champions League due to a calf injury.

In better news for Chelsea, England full-back Niamh Charles is "completely fit" and will be available for selection for this weekend’s Women’s Super League match against Brighton after recovering from a dislocated shoulder.

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Former England internationals Steph Houghton, Alex Scott and Gilly Flaherty have been inducted into the Women's Super League Hall of Fame along with referee Rebecca Welch.

Scott, who represented England 140 times, won 21 trophies with Arsenal during 12 years at the club while Houghton won seven trophies in three years with the Gunners before joining Manchester City in 2014.

The 36-year-old captained City to seven trophies during her decade-long stint at the club, including their first league title in 2016, and captained England for eight years.

Flaherty, 33, won 22 trophies during spells with Arsenal and Chelsea and, when she retired last year, she held the record for most appearances in the WSL with 177.

Welch becomes the first official to be inducted into the Hall of Fame having officiated matches across the women's game and became the first female official to oversee a Premier League, EFL and men’s FA Cup fixture.

The four are the third group inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame, which launched in 2021.

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes and former England internationals Rachel Yankey and Fara Williams were the first women inducted.

Ex-Lionesses Karen Carney, Eni Aluko, Katie Chapman and Kelly Smith were given the award in 2022 while Jill Scott, Ellen White and Anita Asante were inducted last year.

The latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Women's Football Weekly is now available on BBC Sounds.

Jen Beattie, Ellen White and Ben Haines react to the Euro 2025 play-off finals which saw Wales make history, booking their place at next summer's European Championships in Switzerland, but heartbreak for Scotland as their golden generation miss their golden hour.

White chats about England's two friendlies against the Olympic champions the USA and Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland.

Listen to the podcast.

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Manchester City academy graduates Lily Murphy and Codie Thomas have signed their first professional contracts with the club.

Murphy, 18, has made five appearances this season after making her debut in the 3-0 win over Paris FC in Women's Champions League qualifying.

The forward also came on as a substitute in their 4-0 Women's Super League victory over Tottenham at Etihad Stadium in November.

"It's an amazing feeling for me and my family. Growing up supporting City, it's a different feeling," said Murphy.

"The club have been so supportive and given me so much advice. I've learned a lot. They have really helped me on my journey."

Defender Thomas, 18, made her debut in the Women's Champions League group stage victory against St Polten and travelled with the squad during pre-season.

"Being an academy player and coming through, I've always felt valued," she said. "Finally getting on the pitch and representing the club at senior level is great."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

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Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating "is someone with huge potential" says England under-23s head coach Emma Coates.

The 20-year-old won the Golden Glove after keeping nine clean sheets and conceding the fewest goals in the Women's Super League last season.

However, Keating was left out of Sarina Wiegman's senior Lionesses squad this month and has faced competition for a place in the City side after the summer arrival of Japan international Ayaka Yamashita.

"She’s been brilliant since she’s been with us. We know Khiara is someone with huge potential," said Coates, when asked about her return to the under-23s squad.

"We’re here to support her. I have no doubts that Khiara will make that step across back to the senior squad again hopefully.

"When she needs football and wants to be back in the conversation, that is why the under-23s programme exists. We have to remember how young she is.

"She has had so many positive experiences in the WSL and with the England senior team. She comes back with us and has an opportunity to get some minutes."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

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Tottenham defender Ella Morris says what was "sold to her is exactly what she is getting" following her move to north London this summer.

Morris, 22, signed a three-year deal with Spurs after leaving Southampton as she looked to progress her career.

She is currently with England's under-23s squad preparing for matches against Norway and Sweden.

"It’s been absolutely incredible. I don’t regret it for one second. What was sold to me is exactly what I’m getting," said Morris.

"I’m able to be among players like Bethany England, Drew Spence and just really high-performing internationals who have been in the game for a long time.

"It’s exciting for me to learn off them and see how they handle certain situations. It’s really helping me to progress - not only as a player, but also as a person."

Morris hopes to follow in the footsteps of team-mate Jess Naz, who has progressed from England's youth teams to the senior squad under manager Sarina Wiegman.

"We spoke about how she found it. It’s been really inspirational to be around someone every day at training and see the standards she has," said Morris.

"When she comes back from England she’s so sharp because she has been in that high-performing environment. It’s been really cool to see her do that.

"If I ever get the chance to do that then I have someone I can talk to who understands the experience. It’s been massive being around Jess every day."

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Ruby Mace is the first Leicester City Women player ever to be called up to the senior England women squad.

The 21-year-old midfielder has started in all eight of Leicester's Women's Super League matches this season and is part of the Lionesses squad to face the United States and Switzerland.

Mace hopes she can use her versatility to break into the England squad and eventually settle down into her preferred position.

"For sure, having that versatility in your game helps a lot, especially when you just want to play and be on the pitch," she said.

"It’s a nice feeling to know you’re trusted in a few positions. I like the defensive midfield role. I think I can showcase myself the best in that position.

"Hopefully I can learn more and more to try to cement that position."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

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Manchester City midfielder Laura Blindkilde Brown says she wants to "showcase" what she can do while with the England senior squad.

The 21-year-old has impressed since joining City from Aston Villa for £200,000 on transfer deadline day in January.

The midfielder scored in City’s Women’s Champions League victory over Hammarby and received a first England call-up by Sarina Wiegman this month.

"It’s about coming in, working really hard and also enjoying it. At the end of the day, I want to leave camp having no regrets and showcasing what I can do," said Blindkilde Brown.

She admits the decision to leave Villa, where she was playing regularly, was a "tough" one but she always believed she would get opportunities at City and it has now paid off.

"It was definitely a tough decision but ultimately I knew it would help me develop as a player," added Blindkilde Brown.

"If I just kept developing with the team and showing what I could do, eventually I could get an opportunity. Then it was about taking that opportunity when I was given it.

"Having the Women’s Champions League this year has helped because the squad depth is being rotated. I’ve been getting more opportunities which has definitely helped."

Broadcast picks for the first round of Women's Super League games after the winter break have been made.

The league pauses after games on Sunday, 18 December and action resumes on Friday, 17 January.

Tottenham's game against Leicester City will be shown live on BBC iPlayer, with kick-off at 12:30 GMT.

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Chelsea captain Millie Bright says her side's 1-0 win against Manchester United showed what they are capable of despite them needing to "grind it out" in a "tricky" fixture.

Their only goal came when Guro Reiten converted a penalty, while the strong winds at Kingsmeadow made for a tough environment for players.

England defender Bright said her team could have been "a bit more ruthless in the final third" but she was still happy with the result.

"I think the game showed a little bit of everything today - it was really scrappy in the second half - but again I think we showed what we're capable of," she told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"We want good performances, we want nice football, but sometimes you've just got to grind it out and get the job done. We also should have had more goals or got more goals."

The result leaves Chelsea sitting five points clear of second placed Manchester City going into the international break.

"I'll definitely take the clean sheet and three points over anything," added Bright.

"After a very heavy block and some big games, I'll take where we are. 12 games, 12 wins [in all competitions], top of the table, extended our lead."