Sam Kerr and Lauren James out until 2025 – Sonia Bompastor
Chelsea boss Sonia Bompast says attackers Lauren James and Sam Cole will not return to action before the end of the year.
James, 23, has missed Chelsea’s last eight games and four England games with a calf problem and is unlikely to return before 2025 as initially hoped.
“LJ’s recovery is going very well. I think it will be difficult to see her before the end of the year,” Pompast said ahead of Chelsea’s WSL match against Brighton on Sunday.
“We still have a little bit of hope for that, so we’ll see. But I’m more looking forward to her being able to play with us in January.
“She’s improving mentally and physically. I see her on the court, she’s starting to run, she’s starting to touch the ball. So that’s a good sign that she’s definitely going to be fresh in January.”
Kerr, 31, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January and hopes she will be able to play again before 2025.
“We want her back with us in February, March, not before that,” Bompasto said of the Australian forward.
“She hasn’t started training or even adjusting with the team yet, so she’s still going through her personal recovery and I think it will take at least two to three months for her to be fit enough to join the team.”
After Brighton, Chelsea will face Dutch sides Twente and Real Madrid in WSL action against Leicester before the winter break.
Bompasto’s side started the season with eight consecutive wins, five points clear at the top of the WSL table and qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals with two group games remaining.
