Chelsea Manager Provides Update on Lauren James’ Return and Team Preparations

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor stated that forward Lauren James is anticipated to resume playing in January, following the winter break. The England international has been sidelined since October’s 4-1 victory against Arsenal due to a calf injury. Bompastor commented, “LJ is progressing really well,” adding, “We are talking with the staff about her return.” She further explained, “It’s always a little bit difficult because you want them back but you also want to protect them and not take too many risks. For LJ we will see her after the winter break in January for sure.” Regarding other players, forwards Mia Fishel and Sam Kerr are showing good progress in their recovery from anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Bompastor noted, “Mia and Sam are long-term injuries,” and explained, “The recovery is really individual. Each player will go with their own rhythm but we hope to have them as soon as possible.” She added, “They are three really creative players, they really impact the game when they come in so as a manager I really hope to have them as soon as we can.” Additional key statements from Bompastor’s press conference, held prior to Saturday’s Women’s Super League match against Leicester (scheduled for a 12:30 GMT kick-off), included: Addressing the upcoming opponent, Leicester, Bompastor mentioned her familiarity with their manager, Amandine Miquel, stating she knows her “quite well” from their shared time in the French league. Bompastor added, “She always tries to surprise me so I am ready for that.” She affirmed that there would be no overconfidence against Leicester, irrespective of their league standing. “Every game matters. If we cant to continue our momentum and our run, the mentality we have to have is to be ready from the beginning of every game,” she emphasized. Bompastor commended Catarina Macario for her contributions to goals in her two most recent appearances, stating, “Cat is a really talented world-class player so it’s really important for us to have her on the pitch. Now she is in a good place, she was able to play 45 minutes against Brighton and start against Twente. We will see this weekend how we manager her.” Bompastor also confirmed that the team plans to travel to Portugal for a training camp during the winter break, in preparation for the latter half of the season.