Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their bid to secure a maiden WSL title after World Cup winner Tobin Heath was ruled out for up to 12 weeks with an ankle injury.

Heath joined the Red Devils alongside USWNT teammate Christen Press in September on a one-year deal from Portland Thorns – the two biggest signings in the club’s short history.

She has been one of the WSL’s standout performers as United have mounted a surprise title challenge in just their second season in the top flight, scoring four times in seven league starts.

However, the two-time World Cup winner and Olympic champion has not featured for the Red Devils since the Christmas break, sitting out the Red Devils‘ 2-1 loss to Chelsea – their WSL defeat of the season – and 2-0 victory over Birmingham.

“We’re looking at 10-12 weeks from the injury, unfortunately sustained in training. It’s a longer one,“ Casey Stoney said ahead of her side’s trip to Everton (via the Telegraph.) “She is a big player for us so it’s a big loss, and it’s disappointing for her. It’s part of the game but, as with all injuries, I always say, it’s a window of opportunity for somebody else.

“But she’s still heavily influential in our environment. We will work hard to get her back as safe and as quickly as possible

Although losing a player of Heath’s quality is a bitter blow to United, they still have an assortment of attacking options to call upon.

Winger Leah Galton – one of United’s star performers last season – deputised at fullback following the arrival of Press and Heath, but has moved back into her natural left wing position after various injuries to the United forward line and went on to scoop December’s Player of the Month award.

Forward Lauren James is also back to full fitness, while Alessia Russo was pictured on the grass on Friday as she continues her recovery from a hamstring injury.