Chelsea boss Emma Hayes gives cryptic response on Lauren James fitness ahead of Barcelona Champions League showdown as England star sits out Aston Villa romp

James played the full 90 minutes on Sunday as the Blues lost 2-1 to Manchester United in the FA Cup, but she wasn't in the squad for the 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Wednesday night that saw the English champions return to the top of the Women's Super League table.

Barcelona are the reigning European champions and arguably the best team in the world right now, so Chelsea face an incredibly tough task as they bid to reach their second UWCL final. It'll be even more difficult if they have to do it without James.

Asked by Sky Sports if James will be available again for the first leg on Saturday, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes replied: "I don't know. We'll have to see when the players come back in on Friday."

James has been one of the Blues' star performers this season and has really stepped up while players like Sam Kerr have been absent through injury. The England forward has 16 goals in all competitions, with her 13 in the league putting her second in the running for the Golden Boot.

Chelsea will certainly hope that she is available for the trip to Barcelona this weekend then as the Blues look to pick up a positive result to take back to Stamford Bridge for the second leg.