Celin Bizet’s Manchester United return is ahead of schedule
Eva Olid has delivered an encouraging fitness update on Celin Bizet ahead of Manchester United Women’s clash with West Ham, revealing the forward’s recovery from having a baby is progressing faster than initially planned, though no exact date has been set for her return.
Olid addressed the media in her pre-match press conference before United’s return to league action against West Ham United, with the club’s performance department having originally mapped out a longer recovery timeline for Bizet given the circumstances of her comeback.
What Olid said about Bizet’s progress
Olid explained that the plan had been to give Bizet more time before reintegrating her fully, but her training has gone so well that she is now expected back sooner than anyone at Carrington anticipated. The head coach stopped short of naming a firm date, stressing only that it would be soon, according to The Peoples Person.
United host West Ham tomorrow at 13:00 BST at the Progress with Unity Stadium, a fixture that arrives at an important juncture as Olid looks to build on recent momentum.
A season still finding its shape
United’s start to the campaign has been bumpy, with poor results against London City Lionesses and Chelsea setting an uneasy tone. That was followed by an improved showing at Arsenal, where the Reds came close to a win before settling for a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
United then picked up their first win of the Olid era, thrashing Sheffield United 10-1 in the Players’ Cup, a result that will have done plenty for confidence heading into the West Ham fixture. It builds on the sense that Olid’s attacking approach is beginning to click, even if league results have yet to fully reflect that.
Wider squad picture ahead of West Ham
Bizet was not the only player Olid discussed. She confirmed Ellen Wangerheim is coming back into contention, giving the squad another body ahead of a busy autumn schedule.
Jayde Riviere and Emma Watson, however, still need more time before they are available for selection. Olid noted the squad would be checked again before kick-off, meaning final selection calls remain subject to assessment on the day.
