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Gill ClarkApr 13, 2025L. JamesN. GirmaWOMEN'S FOOTBALLChelsea FC WomenWSLUSA

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor offers Lauren James injury update ahead of FA Cup semi-final against Liverpoool and confirms record signing Naomi Girma is 'really close' to a return

Sonia Bompastor has ruled Lauren James out of Chelsea's FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool after she picked up an injury with the Lionesses.

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  • James out with a hamstring problem
  • Will miss FA Cup semi-final tie
  • Girma could return against Barcelona
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    James pulled out of the England squad after sustaining a hamstring problem in the 5-0 Nations League win over Belgium. The 23-year-old is now set for more time on the sidelines, with Bompastor admitting James is not available for the upcoming clash against Liverpool.

  • WHAT BOMPASTOR SAID

    The Chelsea boss told reporters: "LJ came back from the international break with a hamstring injury, we have already assessed her but we need to asses her again next week to see how she is recovering. We will be going week by week but she won’t be available for the game tomorrow."

    Bompastor also spoke about record signing Girma and is hopeful: "‘For the rest of the squad, some players had little things, but nothing serious. We have Guro Reiten is back in the squad, while Maelys Mpome and Naomi Girma are close to being back in the squad. [Girma] not for this weekend, I think it’s too soon. She is really close, though, and could be included in the squad for the Barcelona game."

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Chelsea remain in the hunt for the quadruple and will hope to see off Liverpool at Kingsmeadow and book a place in the final of the competition. The Blues are also six points clear at the top of the WSL table, have already scooped the League Cup and face Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA

    Chelsea's injured stars will be eager to return and play a part in the business end of the season. The Blues certainly have some key fixtures up next, with a trip to Barcelona on the agenda after Saturday's FA Cup semi-final.