The FA WSL Spring Series started this weekend with no games for Manchester City, Chelsea or Arsenal who organised an open training sessions for fans.

The reserves had a disappointing result away to Chelsea and will probably miss out on the title.

The first team training session was coupled to a funday for young fans and one of the sister clubs actually got to play in the final mini-game at the end of the session with the players. It was a nice touch from the club to let those young girls have a kick about with their heroes.

As previously covered, the Notts County game was cancelled as the opposition withdrew their team from the competition on Friday. Reading won 3-1 away to Bristol, Liverpool won 4-1 away to Yeovil and Birmingham drew at home with Sunderland.

Sunderland away next Sunday will be the season opener for the Gunners and yesterday’s training session gave us an indication on who is likely to be available.

10 players trained overall, Van Veenendaal, Moorhouse, Scott, Nobbs, Carter, Williams, Rose, McCabe, O’Reilly and Mead. Kelly and Janssen played with the reserves. The players have a whole week to top up their fitness and some of the injured players might be back for the game on Sunday.

The Development team lost 2-1 away to Chelsea and are now unlikely to win the League unless there is a Chelsea slip-up in the final straight. They now trail Chelsea by 14 points with four games in hand.

I think it is the right time to get some of the youngsters experience with the first team for the Sunderland game, especially as a couple of players have been recruited for the reserves, who no longer have a depleted squad. Wubben-Moy, Patten, Hinds and Dean should travel with the first team to get experience and even a game depending on the injury situation.

I believe out of the 19 first-team players, up to eight might not be involved next Sunday.

Short term injuries, players returning from injuries alongside long-term ones to Sampson and Mitchell means Little, Scott, Mead, Rose, Taylor, Williamson are all doubtful.

There is no doubt that some of the players did not train on Sunday as a precaution, but it would really make sense to bring the four youngsters up with up to two having a good chance to actually start the game.