Sonia Bompastor has given an update on Lauren James ahead of Chelsea Women’s upcoming fixture against Arsenal, confirming the England forward picked up a small knock in training. James will not be risked against FK Austria Wien in Chelsea’s Champions League opener, but Bompastor said she should be available for the weekend.
The Chelsea head coach explained that James suffered the knock during training last Friday and is still slightly short of being ready for the European fixture. With Arsenal approaching, Chelsea are taking no unnecessary risks with her fitness.
Bompastor also provided wider Chelsea team news, with Nathalie Björn, Maelys Mpomé and Melvine Malard among those returning to the squad, while Manaka Matsukubo, Erin Cuthbert and Aggie Beever-Jones have been training again with the team.
Chelsea begin their Champions League campaign against FK Austria Wien before turning their attention to Arsenal, making James’ availability one of the key selection questions heading into the weekend.
