Everton dealt major blow as 'gutting' injury update issued ahead of Man United clash

Everton boss Brian Sorensen says everyone at the club is "gutted" for midfielder Aurora Galli after she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in last weekend's clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Blues were beaten by four goals to nil in their Women's Super League (WSL) opener at Broadfield Stadium but arguably the most damaging moment of the game came in the 87th minute when Galli, nicknamed 'Yaya', was forced off the pitch after going down hurt off the ball.

Everton confirmed on Wednesday that the Italy international had ruptured her ACL and is now set to undergo rehabilitation at Finch Farm.

And Sorensen conceded on Thursday that Galli is unlikely to feature this season in what is a huge blow to his side.

“Everyone is really gutted for Yaya," the Dane said.

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"We had a scan that confirmed it but, on the day, we were not so much in doubt unfortunately because you see them quite often very badly.

"It was what we expected, and I think Yaya after the game was aware of that.

"We are doing everything we can to support her and get the operation soon and then make sure she comes back stronger.

"It is a big loss for us.

"The first one (ACL) in the time I have been here, hopefully the last one.”

Sorensen also offered further injury updates on summer signing Melissa Lawley and Karen Holmgaard, who both did not feature against the Seagulls.

"Melissa Lawley got a fracture on her elbow in the Liverpool (pre-season) game, that is why she was not available in Brighton," he said.

"We just had to do some scans to confirm how bad it was.

"Hopefully she is back in the next two or three weeks. Emily Ramsey is still working her way back. Karen Holmgaard after the surgery in her hip, she is back on the pitch."

The fixture list does not get any easier for Everton, with the Blues set to host Manchester United at Walton Hall Park on Sunday afternoon.

Marc Skinner's side won their opening game of the season 3-0 against West Ham United however Sorensen believes his side are still more than capable of getting a result this weekend.

“It is still about our own identity and how we get the game right," he said.

"Against Brighton we didn’t get it right, structurally wise we were a bit all over the place. We need to make sure that we get what we are working on right, 100%.

“We know it is a big task, United have a very good team and have recruited very well. It is going to be tough, but we will try and play our way and make sure that we get our gameplan right.

"Every time we go into these games, we always have a chance. We are not the favourites, but we have a chance and that is what we will go for.”