Bompastor Discusses Hampton’s Absence, James’ Anticipated Return
Sonia Bompastor has confirmed that goalkeeper Hannah Hampton will not join the team for their Champions League match against St. Polten due to a quadricep injury sustained during a recent match against Arsenal.
Champions League Clash Against St. Polten
The match is scheduled for tomorrow evening in Austria. This game marks Chelsea’s third appearance in the new league phase of the Women’s Champions League. The team is eager to build on their previous results, which include one victory and one draw.
Injury Updates and Player Availability
- Hannah Hampton: Injured and unavailable for the match. She sustained an injury during the 1-1 draw at Arsenal.
- Guro Reiten: On parental leave and will also miss the game.
- Lauren James: Could make her first appearance of the season after recovering from a long injury.
During the pre-match press conference, Bompastor expressed confidence in James’s potential return. “LJ is getting closer and closer,” she said. Bompastor noted that James traveled with the team and is in the squad for the match.
Opportunity for Livia Peng
With Hampton sidelined, the coaching staff is considering Switzerland international Livia Peng as a starting option. Bompastor commented on Peng’s performance, highlighting her capability despite limited playtime. “She played well in our first match against Twente and is consistently strong in training,” remarked Bompastor.
The anticipation builds as Chelsea prepares for this challenging fixture. The team’s focus remains on maximizing their performance and seizing the opportunity to advance in the tournament.
