Chelsea forward, Lauren James has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, the club confirmed, just days before their Women’s Champions League semifinal clash with Barcelona.
The 23-year-old was subbed off at halftime during England’s 5-0 win over Belgium in the international break and returned to Chelsea for further assessment.
While the club has not specified the length of her absence, they said she will be “out for a period of time.”
Injury Woes Continue for James
This latest setback follows a three-month spell on the sidelines earlier this season due to a calf injury. James has only made nine WSL appearances this campaign, scoring three goals, and was just beginning to regain form.
Chelsea’s Quadruple Hopes Tested
The injury comes at a crucial moment in Sonia Bompastor’s debut season as manager. Chelsea are:
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Top of the WSL table
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Subway League Cup champions
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FA Cup finalists (vs. Manchester United in May)
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Still chasing their first-ever Champions League trophy
They’ll now have to face Barcelona — a team packed with Ballon d’Or winners — without Lauren James and Sam Kerr, both key attackers.
Potential Reinforcements
However, there’s hope on the horizon. Coach Sonia Bompastor said last week that $1 million signing Naomi Girma is “really close” to returning and may feature in the squad for the Barcelona match.
“She is really close, though, and could be included in the squad for the Barcelona game,” Bompastor revealed.
The first leg of the Champions League semifinal will take place this Sunday, with the return leg at Stamford Bridge on April 27.
