Chelsea Women face two major fitness decisions before Sunday’s clash with Arsenal after Sonia Bompastor confirmed Keira Walsh and Lauren James remain doubts.
James has missed Chelsea’s last two matches after suffering a knock in training, while Walsh lasted only 20 minutes of Wednesday’s 1-0 Champions League win over Austria Wien.
Bompastor told Chelsea’s official website that another training session is required before final decisions are made on the pair.
Chelsea Women Arsenal team news
Walsh felt pain in her calf during the midweek victory and was replaced by Lexi Potter.
Chelsea initially treated the substitution cautiously, but the England midfielder’s availability for Arsenal remains uncertain.
James is in a similar position. Chelsea had hoped she would return this weekend after missing the Birmingham City and Austria Wien victories, but Bompastor stopped short of declaring her fit.
Our latest Lauren James injury update explains how the problem has developed since she suffered the knock in training.
There is better news surrounding Melvine Malard and Naomi Girma.
Malard completed her planned 45 minutes against Austria Wien and is available for selection, while Girma is now training fully with the squad after her recent fitness problems.
Bompastor did, however, stress that Chelsea still want Girma to build consistency on the pitch rather than rush her return.
The final assessment of Walsh and James could therefore have a significant influence on Bompastor’s side for Sunday’s 4.30pm BST kick-off.
Supporters can find the broadcast details in our Chelsea Women vs Arsenal TV and live stream guide.
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