'I told her to go home' - Emma Hayes explains Lauren James' surprise omission from Chelsea's FA Cup win over Crystal Palace

Mayra Ramirez's stunning 81st-minute winner secured the Blues' passage into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after a 1-0 victory over second-tier Palace at Kingsmeadow on Sunday. However, England star James was a notable absentee from the win, with manager Hayes saying she was sent home due to illness.

The Chelsea boss said on James' absence: "She was a little bit sick yesterday (Saturday), her tonsils were up and I decided not to take the risk. I told her to go home. She will be fine… you have to make those decisions knowing you’ve got some big games coming up.”

Chelsea are on course for a record-breaking season as they are top of the Women's Super League, into the knockout stages of the Champions League, the semi-finals of the League Cup, and now the last eight of the FA Cup. Therefore, giving some key players a rest at the right time could be key going forward.

Hayes' formidable Chelsea side take on high-flying Manchester City at home in a top of the table WSL clash on Friday night, before having a two-week break and then travelling to mid-table Leicester City on March 3.