Chelsea’s James and Kerr Not Expected Back Until 2025, Says Bompastor

Lauren James has been sidelined since October. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has stated that forwards Lauren James and Sam Kerr are not expected to play again until next year. James, aged 23, has been absent from Chelsea’s most recent eight matches and four England international games due to a calf injury. Her return is now improbable before 2025, contrary to earlier expectations. Speaking before Chelsea’s Women’s Super League match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, Bompastor remarked, “LJ is progressing really well with her rehab. I think it will be difficult to see her before the end of the year,” She added, “We still have a small hope on that, so we’ll see. But I’m more expecting her being able to play with us in January.” Bompastor further commented, “She’s in a good position mentally, physically progressing. I saw her on the pitch, she is starting to run, she has started to touch the ball. So it’s a good signal and she will be fresh in January for sure.” Kerr, 31 years old, sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January, with initial hopes for her to return to play before 2025. Regarding the Australian striker, Bompastor stated, “We are looking to have her back with us in February, March, not before that.” She elaborated, “She didn’t start yet to train, even being modified with the group, so she’s still on her individual process rehab and I think it will take at least two or three more months for her to be fit enough to be with the squad.” Following the Brighton match, Chelsea’s schedule includes games against Dutch team Twente and Real Madrid, with a Women’s Super League away fixture at Leicester in between, all before the upcoming winter break. Bompastor’s team currently holds a five-point lead at the summit of the WSL standings, having commenced the season with eight consecutive victories. They have also secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, with two group stage matches still remaining.