Chelsea star to miss Women’s Champions League semi-final with Barcelona

Chelsea have confirmed that Lauren James will miss their Women’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Barcelona with a hamstring injury.

James picked up a hamstring injury in the first half of England’s 5-0 Nations League win over Belgium this month. The 23-year-old is now set for more time on the sidelines as the club confirmed that she is still on the treatment table.

Lauren James of Chelsea during the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

The official statement from the Women’s Super League champions read: “Chelsea can confirm forward Lauren James has sustained a hamstring injury and will be out for a period of time. The 23-year-old was substituted at half-time during the Lionesses’ 5-0 win over Belgium and returned to the club to begin rehabilitation which she will continue with the support of our medical team.”

Chelsea won the Women’s League Cup last month and Sonia Bompastor’s side are now aiming to achieve a quadruple. In the WSL, with four matches to go, the west Londoners are three points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.

However, they face a strong opponent in Barcelona. After facing Barca this Sunday in the Champions League, Chelsea will lock horns against Crystal Palace in a WSL clash on April 23.