Chelsea Women face a fresh Keira Walsh fitness concern after the midfielder was forced off early during Wednesday night’s Champions League victory over Austria Wien.
Walsh started and captained Sonia Bompastor’s side at Plough Lane but lasted only around 20 minutes before being replaced by Lexi Potter.
Chelsea went on to win 1-0 through Wieke Kaptein’s spectacular first-half goal, although Walsh’s early departure provided the major concern ahead of Sunday’s Women’s Super League meeting with Arsenal.
There has not yet been confirmation of the nature or severity of the problem.
Keira Walsh injury adds to Chelsea concern
Walsh was named at the heart of Chelsea’s midfield against Austria Wien before her evening ended prematurely.
Sky Sports highlighted Walsh’s early withdrawal during Chelsea’s 1-0 Champions League victory, with Potter introduced in her place.
Until Chelsea or Bompastor provide a medical update, it remains unclear whether the substitution was precautionary or whether Walsh faces time on the sidelines.
The timing is particularly awkward.
Chelsea host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in one of the biggest fixtures of the early WSL season, with our Chelsea vs Arsenal TV and live-stream guide confirming a 4.30pm BST kick-off.
Walsh has been an important presence in Bompastor’s midfield during the opening weeks and losing her would create another selection problem before the London derby.
Chelsea already monitoring Lauren James fitness
Walsh is not the only Chelsea player facing a fitness question ahead of Arsenal.
Lauren James missed the Austria Wien game after picking up a knock in training before the weekend victory over Birmingham City.
Bompastor had indicated that Chelsea hoped to have the England forward available for Arsenal, with the latest Lauren James injury update pointing towards Sunday’s derby as a possible return date.
Chelsea’s squad depth has already been tested during a demanding opening month containing both domestic and European fixtures.
Potter’s emergence gives Bompastor another midfield option, but Walsh’s importance means her condition will now be one of the biggest issues to monitor before Sunday.
Chelsea have four days between the Austria Wien victory and Arsenal’s visit to Stamford Bridge.
The next significant update should therefore come when Bompastor provides her pre-match team news ahead of the derby.
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