Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has confirmed that forwards Lauren James and Sam Kerr are not expected to return to action until 2025.
James, 23, has been out of action due to a calf injury that has sidelined her for Chelsea’s last eight matches as well as four England fixtures. Despite initial hopes for her return this year, Bompastor indicated a comeback before 2025 is unlikely.
“LJ is progressing well with her rehab, but it’s going to be tough to see her back before the end of the year,” Bompastor said ahead of Chelsea’s Women’s Super League (WSL) clash with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. “We still have a small hope, but I’m more realistic about her being ready to play in January.”
James has made progress in her recovery, including light running and ball work, and Bompastor is optimistic about her return to peak fitness in the new year. “She’s mentally in a good place and physically progressing well. She’ll be fresh and ready in January for sure,” she added.
Meanwhile, Kerr, 31, has been recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in January. Hopes for her return in late 2024 have been pushed back, with Bompastor now eyeing February or March for the Australian striker’s comeback.
“She hasn’t started any modified training with the group yet and is still on her individual rehab program,” Bompastor explained. “It will take at least two or three more months for her to be fit enough to rejoin the squad.”
Chelsea, who are five points clear at the top of the WSL table after a perfect start with eight consecutive wins, will face Brighton before a demanding schedule that includes matches against Twente, Real Madrid, and Leicester ahead of the winter break.
The Blues have already secured a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals with two group-stage matches still to play, further cementing their strong position heading into the new year.