How Lauren James made an instant impact for Chelsea on her return to action | OneFootball

Lauren James made her return to the pitch for Chelsea against St Polten this week and she made an instant impact in the Champions League.

The Blues winger was named in a matchday squad on Tuesday for the first time since March.

James was sidelined before Euro 2025 with a calf injury for Chelsea and her bad luck continued through the summer.

The 24-year-old was able to recover from her calf strain during the Euros and she was able to feature in all of England’s games at the tournament.

However after winning the competition for a second time, James confirmed that she had picked up a new injury in Switzerland.

Chelsea confirmed at the start of the season that their forward would be out of action until at least October with an ankle issue, but on Tuesday she finally made a triumphant return.

Lauren James makes instant impact

Although she didn’t start for Chelsea against St Polten, Lauren James made an instant impact when she entered the game.

The Blues were already 4-0 up when James entered the game as they put on a dominant performance. Shortly after coming onto the pitch in Austria, the four-time WSL winner unleashed a strike on goal from range.

Her first shot for Chelsea since March took a wicked deflection off Lisa Ebert and ricocheted into the back of the net.

Although she wheeled off in celebration following the finish, it was no surprise to see James’ strike credited as an own goal shortly after.

James only got 15 minutes on her return to action but she impressed on her first appearance of the season.

Chelsea attack almost at full health

With Lauren James now back in action for Chelsea, the Blues attack is almost at full strength.

Sam Kerr also played a huge role in the St Polten win with two goals on her first start of the season.

Aggie Beever-Jones missed out on the Champions League clash with a slight knock, but she is expected to return to action ahead of Liverpool this weekend.

Although it is unlikely that all three will line up in the same team together, Chelsea’s depth up front is something that other teams are going to fear for the rest of the season.