In this video
- Asked what it takes to reach the final, Bompastor said she thinks Chelsea have the quality to win it. It is too early in the season to talk about going all the way, even if the ambition is there.
- Asked about Lauren James, Bompastor said she picked up a small knock in training last Friday. She should be available at the weekend, but Chelsea do not want to take any risk tomorrow.
- Asked about a player who came for a big fee, Bompastor called her an important player and a great leader. She does not think anything is wrong, and says the player has been a little unlucky with injuries.
- Asked how important the competition is to her, the Chelsea player at the table said it is massive and part of why she joined. She and the club share the same ambition, to win the Champions League.
- Asked about a rumour that a player might have left when PSG showed interest, Bompastor said she is away for personal reasons and back in Colombia. Chelsea can only wait for her return.
- Asked about shooting more this season, the Chelsea player pointed to a change of formation. Lexi Potter alongside her gives her freedom, and that partnership is probably where most of her confidence comes from.
- Asked how she prioritises a week that also brings Arsenal and an emotional homecoming, Bompastor said the staff already know a lot about the next three games. Her focus right now is fully on tomorrow.
“…we are going into the game confident, but not too confident, just the right level.”
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.
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