Sonia Bompastor has confirmed Lauren James is likely to miss Chelsea Women’s Champions League clash with Austria Wien after suffering a knock in training.
James was absent from the squad for Saturday’s 2-0 Women’s Super League victory over Birmingham City despite scoring in Chelsea’s opening two league matches.
Bompastor has now explained that the England international picked up the problem during Chelsea’s final training session before the game.
The encouraging news is that Chelsea hope James can return in time to face Arsenal next weekend.
Lauren James likely to miss Austria Wien
Speaking after the Birmingham victory, Bompastor told the official Chelsea website: “In our last training session, she just got a knock.”
The Chelsea head coach added: “She will probably be out of the game on Wednesday, but we are hoping for her to be back next weekend.”
Chelsea begin their Women’s Champions League league-phase campaign against Austria Wien on Wednesday night, with the official fixture list confirming an 8pm kick-off.
That makes James a major doubt for the European opener.
Her absence had initially been the standout development when Chelsea named their confirmed XI against Birmingham.
At that stage, the reason for her omission had not been confirmed.
Bompastor has now provided the explanation.
Chelsea hope James returns for Arsenal
Chelsea’s priority will be getting James back without taking unnecessary risks.
Bompastor stressed that her side continue to train at high intensity, particularly when working on counter-pressing and duels.
That approach is central to how she wants Chelsea to play, but the head coach acknowledged injuries can occur during a demanding schedule.
James’ potential return next weekend would therefore be significant.
Chelsea host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday 27 September in one of the biggest WSL fixtures of the early season.
The forward has been in excellent form so far, with our recent analysis showing how James’ central role gave Bompastor a new attacking solution after the 5-0 victory over Manchester United.
Chelsea will hope that solution is available again against Arsenal.
Birmingham win eases immediate concern
Chelsea were still able to beat Birmingham without James.
Lexi Potter opened the scoring after eight minutes before Melvine Malard added the second in the 71st minute.
Bompastor admitted she was relieved when the second goal arrived after Chelsea had failed to make their dominance count.
Our Chelsea Women 2-0 Birmingham match report detailed how the Blues controlled most of the contest before Malard eventually made the result safe.
The victory gives Chelsea momentum heading into Europe.
James’ fitness, though, will now be one of the major issues to monitor before the Arsenal fixture.
Comments.
Loading comments…