Chelsea boss Emma Hayes responds to claims of rift with out-of-favour goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger

Berger has been the Blues' No.1 for a long time but competition for her place has increased substantially this season, with England shot-stopper Hannah Hampton joining a goalkeeper group that already includes Sweden star Zecira Musovic. As a result, Berger has only played seven games for her club this season, though she has also been out with injury at times.

Despite that lack of game time, Berger has been called up for both of Germany's squads in 2024. Speaking about her situation on Wednesday, national team boss Horst Hrubesch said: "Ann-Katrin Berger is a very experienced player who has proven herself for many years. In my eyes she is the type that's very valuable for the team. At the moment she's playing in England and - as far as I can tell - has a few problems with her coach over there. But I know her qualities. That's why it was important for me, to have two experienced keepers at the position, plus a young one from Frankfurt. With those three we're very well off."

When these comments were put to Hayes on Wednesday night, after Chelsea's Champions League clash with Ajax, she said: "Ann had a concussion. She was out two weeks and has only been back two sessions, so I don't know where those comments have come from."

Berger was part of the squad and on the bench for the Blues' 1-1 draw against the Dutch side, but it was Musovic who got the nod in between the sticks as Hampton was rested.

Berger will meet up with the Germany squad next week ahead of qualifiers for the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro. But first, there is the matter of a Continental Cup final, with Chelsea to take on Arsenal on Sunday as they battle to win the first piece of silverware in the English season.