Women's Super League

West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Women's Super League game against Everton (kick-off 14:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from her news conference:

• Kristie Mewis is out with a calf injury, but Skinner is "unsure" how long the midfielder will be sidelined for.

• Defender Kirsty Smith returns from injury and is available to face Everton.

• Skinner said "game on game we’ve been improving" and more players are becoming "90-minute ready" as the season progresses.

• She described Everton as a "tough, hard-working team".

• On Everton's injury crisis, Skinner said: "They've had a difficult time these last few weeks. You wouldn't wish that on anyone."

• She believes Viviane Asseyi's goal against Manchester City last weekend should have stood, adding: "We've drawn lines all over the pitch, we know that was onside."

• Asked if that decision showed a need for VAR in the women's game, Skinner said there needs to be more investment and resources available to referees first.

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa left-back Paula Tomas will serve a three-match suspension after an appeal to reduce her impending ban was unsuccessful.

The 23-year-old was shown a red card by referee Ryan Atkin in the 76th minute of Sunday's Women's Super League loss at Brighton after a challenge on Kiko Seike.

Tomas will now not be eligible for Villa's encounters with Leicester City, Manchester City and Liverpool in the coming weeks.

The Spain international joined Villa in the summer after four years with Levante and had started the first three WSL of the season.

Robert de Pauw's side sit ninth in the WSL table after picking up one point from a possible nine.

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa striker Georgia Mullett has signed a contract extension to keep her at the club until 2027.

The 19-year-old is a product of the Villa academy and made her debut in the Women’s Super League in November 2022.

England youth international Mullett has gone on to make 13 senior appearances for Villa but awaits her first goal.

Manager Robert de Pauw said: "We see Georgia as a young prospect with high potential.

"We want to help her maximise the ability she has and we are very happy to have a young striker like her in the team."

"We look forward to watching her develop in the years to come.”

Villa are winless in their opening three WSL games - drawing one and losing two.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Arsenal striker Ellen White says the Gunners have to put "everything on the line" in their next two games against Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Women's Football Weekly podcast, England's record goalscorer said Arsenal would need to improve on their performances so far this season.

"From looking at those games, as a striker, the amount of shots they had on target was very poor. They’ve got to be more clinical. They’ve got unbelievable players, it’s finding that right recipe or combination of players that work.

"The Champions League is another level. Bayern are another level. They’re coming off the back of winning the Bundesliga, they’re unbeaten this season, so they’re going to be full of confidence.

"Maybe they’ll also be looking for a bit of revenge after being knocked out by Arsenal a couple of seasons ago.

"It’s going to be a really interesting game, but Arsenal have to step up another level now."

After facing Bayern on Wednesday, Jonas Eidevall's team will take on Chelsea in the Women's Super League on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium.

"The next two games are huge for Arsenal," says White. "If they were to lose against Chelsea, they are way off the title already.

"It’s a huge week for them.

"They are the most exciting games. It’s all pressure but that’s why you play football. You’re putting everything on the line. They have to put everything on the line now.

"I’m not saying they are going to be out of the title, but they would have to have a perfect season if they were to lose against Chelsea on Saturday. They’ve got to go for it."

Listen to the podcast here.

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

In this week's podcast, Ellen White and Ben Haines are joined by former Aston Villa manager Carla Ward.

It’s Champions League week with huge games for Arsenal against Bayern Munich and Manchester City facing Barcelona; Ellen and Carla share their thoughts on how to approach such important matches against some of the biggest clubs.

BBC Sport’s Emma Sanders also drops by to take a deep dive into the Championship and take a look at the gap between the top teams and those nearer the bottom. The panel also debate WSL league expansion with promoting more teams from the Championship.

Listen here

Image source, West Ham

West Ham have appointed former Leicester City academy coach Stephen Healy as a first-team coach.

Healy will join manager Rehanne Skinner's backroom staff having worked as a development officer at New York Red Bulls and Northampton Town as well as as a Boys Centre of Excellence coach.

"I’m delighted to be joining West Ham United,” said Healy. “I was excited to be given the opportunity to present to Rehanne and the team recently and felt energised and enthused by the long-term vision of the club.

"I’m now looking forward to being part of this project and I hope I can use my experience to develop the current crop of players at West Ham United."

The Hammers currently sit 11th in the Women's Super League after two losses and a draw.

"I’m really pleased to have Steve join us,” said Skinner.

"Steve has a wealth of experience working across different levels of the game, including within the women’s game. Steve will help us to build confidence around our attacking play whilst also managing and enhancing our players’ individual development programmes.

“He has a proven track record in improving the performances of senior players, as well as transitioning youth players into the first team."