Chelsea Women, Lauren James, Sonia Bompastor and England Women
6 November 2026
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has confirmed that Lauren James will miss at least the next several weeks with a hamstring injury. The England international is expected to miss five Chelsea matches.
James suffered the injury during Chelsea’s 6-0 victory over Charlton Athletic and was substituted in the 35th minute. Subsequent scans confirmed hamstring damage. She will miss the upcoming Women’s Super League fixtures against Everton and Manchester City, among others. Her availability for England’s World Cup qualifying play-offs against Ukraine in December is also uncertain. Chelsea remain top of the league despite the setback.
Why It Matters
Chelsea lose a key attacking player ahead of important league fixtures, while England face uncertainty over her December availability.