Sonia Bompastor has confirmed that Hannah Hampton will miss the upcoming Champions League match against St. Polten due to an injury sustained during the draw against Arsenal. The Chelsea Women’s team is preparing for their third encounter in the new league phase of the Women’s Champions League, set to take place tomorrow night in Austria. Bompastor’s squad is eager to build on their results from the first two games, which included one victory and one draw.
While Hampton’s absence is a setback, Bompastor noted that England international Lauren James has traveled with the team and is in contention to make her first appearance this season. James has been recovering since playing a pivotal role in helping the Lionesses secure the European Championship.
At a pre-match press conference, Bompastor highlighted that “LJ is getting closer and closer,” expressing optimism about James’s potential return to action. Unfortunately, Guro Reiten will also be unavailable, as she continues her parental leave in Norway.
With Hampton ruled out due to a minor quadricep injury, Switzerland international Livia Peng is poised to take her place in the starting lineup. Bompastor spoke highly of Peng’s performance, noting that although she has not had extensive playing time, she impressed during the match against Twente and consistently performs well in training. “It is a positive for her to play in the game tomorrow, and we are confident in her,” said Bompastor.
The team is hopeful as they approach this crucial match, excited about the prospect of earning another strong result in the Champions League while integrating fresh talent like Peng into their lineup.