Explained: Why Lauren James missed Chelsea training ahead of huge Real Madrid Champions League clash after netting superb hat trick against Man Utd

The Blues posted a video on X of Hayes' charges preparing for Wednesday's game and eagled-eyed fans spotted that the Lionesses forward was not out on the grass. However, in her pre-match press conference, the Chelsea manager quashed any concerns that James had picked up an injury.

"With it being a matchday +2 and a matchday -1, no Lauren James. She's usually always given an extra recovery day there. We'll assess it again in the morning but nothing to worry about," Hayes said when quizzed on her star player's absence from the session.

James being available for the Madrid game is a significant boost for Chelsea. The mercurial attacker gave a reminder of her talents in the Blues' 3-1 victory over Manchester United on Sunday, scoring all three of her team's goals.

It was the second hat trick that James has scored at Stamford Bridge this season, having previously completed the feat in a 5-1 victory over Liverpool back in November. The 22-year-old has scored more goals than any Chelsea player (men's or women's) at the club's spiritual home - also finding the net in games against Tottenham, Paris FC and Hacken.

James will be looking to continue her fine record at the Bridge when Madrid visit in the Champions League on Wednesday. A victory would book Chelsea a place in the quarter finals, regardless of the other result in the group.