Chelsea manager Sonia Bommastor has issued a promising injury update ahead of the side's big Super League (WSL) clash against London rivals Arsenal this weekend.
This is one of the most notable matches on the women's football calendar with two of England's biggest clubs going head to head. This season, the permutations are even greater as Arsenal look to close the gap to seven points in the Chelsea top of the league standings.
Sonia Bommastor's side were victorious in the previous meeting at the Emirates Stadium earlier in the campaign in what was Jonas Eidevall's final game in charge of the Gunners. Mayra Ramirez and Sandy Baltimore were among the goals on the day, while Caitlin Foord pulled one back late in the first half.
However, Arsenal is another prospect this time as Renee Slegers, who was Given the permanent job As head coach last week after a successful spell as interim has sparked a new lease of life in the squad. The Gunners are unbeaten under the Dutch manager and have only drawn once Manchester United.
It is for this reason that the manager will be delighted to have Lauren James available again for selection after another spell out of the team through injury. The 23-year-old suffered a calf injury in October and has been sidelined since then, but has recently returned to training and is available for selection.
“Lauren James is back in the squad and can practice normally this morning, so that's good news,” Bommastor told the media at a press conference on Friday afternoon.
Sunday's meeting between the clubs in London will also be significant as more than 32,000 tickets have been sold so far and Chelsea will beat their record attendance for a WSL game The manager insists the players are extremely excited to play another game at SW6 and the pressure that comes with it is only positive.
“Having the opportunity to play in front of our fans will be a big help for us,” Bommastor continued. “More than 32,000 tickets have been sold and it will be a new record for us.
“Everyone is really excited and the players love playing at Stamford Bridge. It's a positive pressure and it's good to have pressure when you play these games.
“It's a matter of finding the right balance of pressure but it will be positive for the players and everyone is really excited. When we play at Stamford Bridge it's always a special game for the players and it gives them extra motivation and the atmosphere will be great.
“Everyone wants to be involved in that and in a positive way.”