Chelsea Women will be without four players for Wednesday night’s Champions League qualifier against Real Sociedad after Nathalie Bjorn joined the club’s injury list.
Bjorn is unavailable alongside Erin Cuthbert, Mayra Ramirez and Manaka Matsukubo as Sonia Bompastor’s side attempt to protect a three-goal advantage in Spain.
Chelsea head into the second leg leading 5-2 after Melvine Malard scored twice on her competitive debut in last week’s victory.
Bompastor delivers injury updates on the fitness of Bjorn, Cuthbert, Matsukubo and Mayra Ramirez. ⤵️
— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) September 1, 2026
Nathalie Bjorn ruled out for Chelsea
Chelsea confirmed all four absences in Bompastor’s latest team-news update ahead of the trip to San Sebastian.
Bjorn represents the fresh concern.
The Sweden international was available for the first leg and was named among the substitutes, but will now miss the return fixture.
Cuthbert, Ramirez and Matsukubo remain sidelined after Chelsea confirmed the trio would miss the opening meeting with Real Sociedad.
Chelsea have not provided a detailed timeframe for Bjorn’s return in their latest update.
Bompastor will at least return to the dugout after serving a one-match suspension during the 5-2 first-leg win.
Chelsea take three-goal lead to Spain
Chelsea remain in a strong position despite their injury problems.
Naomi Girma, Veerle Buurman, Lauren James and Malard all found the net during the first leg as the Blues recovered from being twice tested by Real Sociedad.
The five goals leave Chelsea with a 5-2 aggregate advantage heading into Wednesday’s deciding fixture.
Bompastor has nevertheless warned against complacency and wants her side to approach the second leg without relying on that cushion.
Real Sociedad have also endured a difficult week, following the first-leg defeat with a 2-0 loss to Logrono in their domestic league opener.
Chelsea need to navigate one more game to secure their place in the Women’s Champions League league phase.
They will have to do it without four members of Bompastor’s squad.
Chelsea Women 5-2 Real Sociedad: Malard debut brace gives Blues control
Chelsea Women 5-2 Real Sociedad: Malard debut brace gives Blues control