Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor has provided injury updates on Chelsea trio Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Niamh Charles.
Bompastor was speaking to the media ahead of Friday’s top-of-the-table clash with Manchester United.
The trio have not featured for the reigning Women’s Super League champions this season and Chelsea fans are eager to see them back in action as soon as possible.
Fixtures are set to pick up for Chelsea who also start their Champions League campaign against FC Twente next week.
What did Sonia Bompastor say about Lucy Bronze, Lauren James and Niamh Charles?
During her pre-match press conference, Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor was asked to give an updated on injured players, including Lucy Bronze.
Bompastor said that some have returned to on-pitch training, including the Chelsea full-back.
She said: “We have some players who have been progressing in our rehab plan.
“So some of them have been returning to the pitch. Lucy being one of them, LJ, Niamh Charles, so I think we have some positive news.
“We are going in the right direction and it’s good because as a manager you want all your players available on the pitch.”
🎙️ Sonia says Niamh Charles, Lauren James and Lucy Bronze are progressing well in rehab, but this weekend will be too soon for a return, hopefully in the next few weeks. pic.twitter.com/4OxI74AKFN
— Chelsea Women (@CFC__Women) October 1, 2025
However, Bompastor ruled the trio out for Friday’s trip to Manchester United.
She said: “Not for this week, that would be too soon. But hopefully in the next few weeks they will be available.”
Manchester United could have Anna Sandberg and Simi Awujo in the squad on Friday. Leah Galton is in training but is likely to miss out, while Millie Turn is expected to be out until the new year with a knee injury.
Ahead of the match, United boss Marc Skinner said his side are ready for ‘well-oiled machine’ Chelsea.
How long have Bronze, James and Charles been out of action?
James and Bronze last featured in a competitive game during England’s Euro 2025 triumph over Spain.
Bronze revealed after the final that she had been playing through the tournament with a fractured leg.
Therefore, it was no surprise to see the right-back not rushed back into action for the start of the WSL campaign.
James has also struggled for fitness, revealing that she played at the Euros in a considerable amount of pain.
Unlike James, Charles has featured for Chelsea in the WSL this season after also playing at the Euros.
Charles has missed Chelsea’s last two games, after she was replaced at half-time during their victory over Aston Villa.
