Bompastor gives update on Lauren James and other Chelsea stars ahead of Champions League tie | OneFootball

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor hopes Lauren James will be available for Sunday’s WSL clash with Arsenal after the forward picked up a minor injury in training.

James will miss Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Austria Vienna, with Bompastor unwilling to take any risks ahead of the weekend derby.

“She should be available for the game on the weekend, but we don’t want to take any risks for the game tomorrow,” Bompastor said. “She’s a bit short.”

There was also positive news on Erin Cuthbert, Manaka Matsukubo and Aggie Beever-Jones, who have all returned to training.

The trio are not yet ready to return to match action, but Bompastor welcomed the boost of having them back on the grass.

“They are training again with the team, so a lot of players and it’s good news,” she said.

“Manaka is back in training, not fully fit yet, but it’s good to have her back.

“It’s really good to see Erin back. I’m always happy when I have most of my players on the pitch. It brings positivity around the team and the quality on the pitch progresses.”

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Naomi Girma, meanwhile, returned to the matchday squad for Chelsea’s win over Birmingham City after recovering from a small injury.

“She’s an important player for us,” Bompastor said. “She has a lot of experience for us and for the US as well.

“We are trying to work with her to be on the pitch as much as possible. When we get that right, you will see the best of her.

“She’s been a little bit unlucky with some of the injuries she has got, but I am confident she will get there and be an important player for us.”

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