Chelsea will begin their Women's Super League title defence without Lauren James as she recovers from injuries sustained while on international duty with England. James played a prominent role in England's European Championship run, appearing in four of six matches and scoring twice, but she was substituted at half-time in both the semi-final and the final due to a niggling issue. James had an injury-hit 2024-25 season for Chelsea, featuring in nine WSL matches with three goals and one assist, and suffered a hamstring injury in April against Belgium as well as a lower-leg problem. The club confirmed she will undergo rehabilitation and be sidelined for a period, with Chelsea opening the season on September 5 against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge after securing a sixth consecutive WSL title as part of a treble.
James, who starred for the Blues as they won the WSL title in Sonia Bompastor's first season in charge, sustained an injury while on international duty with England this summer. The 23-year-old played a starring role for the Lionesses during their European Championships triumph, starring in four of the six games, including their win in the final over Spain. James scored twice at the tournament, but was forced off at half-time during both their semi-final win over Italy and in the showpiece match due to a niggling issue.
Chelsea confirmed that James will "undergo a period of rehabilitation" with the club, and will be sidelined for a "period of time." Bompastor's side claimed their sixth consecutive WSL title last season as part of their treble, topping the league with two games to spare and securing a record points total. They begin their campaign on September 5 with a mouth-watering clash against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.
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