Chelsea Open UWCL Campaign Against Austria Wien Without Lauren James
The short version
- Chelsea begin their UWCL league phase against first-time participants Austria Wien at Plough Lane on Wednesday.
- Lauren James is out with a minor training knock but is expected to be available for Sunday's WSL match against Arsenal.
- Cuthbert, Matsukubo and Beever-Jones have returned to team training but not match action.
- Bompastor says the 3-4-3 fits the current squad, with other shapes possible as injured players return.
- Chelsea visit OL Lyonnes in their next Champions League fixture.
Sonia Bompastor backs her squad's quality to win the Champions League while warning against complacency ahead of Wednesday's opener at Plough Lane.
Chelsea kick off the UEFA Women's Champions League league phase at Plough Lane on Wednesday against Austria Wien, who are appearing at this stage of the competition for the first time. Head coach Sonia Bompastor said the squad has the ability to lift the trophy but kept the emphasis on the opening match, noting the length of the season and the demands of a competitive Women's Super League.
Bompastor said her staff have scouted the Austrian visitors and prepared a plan. "The game plan is ready," she said, adding that Chelsea know where spaces can be found but hold plenty of respect for opponents she described as underdogs with nothing to lose.
Lauren James will miss the match after a minor knock in Friday training, with Bompastor unwilling to gamble ahead of Sunday's WSL clash with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Erin Cuthbert, Manaka Matsukubo and Aggie Beever-Jones have resumed team training but are not ready for games, while Naomi Girma, back in the squad after a minor injury, remains carefully managed.
Bompastor also discussed tactics, saying the current 3-4-3 suits the players available, with 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 options once Mayra Ramirez and Melvine Malard are fully fit. Keira Walsh praised her growing midfield partnership with Lexi Potter, who opened the scoring in the 2-0 WSL win over Birmingham City. After Austria Wien, Chelsea travel to face OL Lyonnes in the Champions League.
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