Hamstring injury sidelines James, threatens England World Cup play‑off

Lauren James was forced off in the 35th minute of Chelsea's 6‑0 victory over Charlton Athletic last weekend, and manager Sonia Bompastor confirmed a hamstring injury will keep the 25‑year‑old out for at least the next five games, putting her England World Cup qualifying play‑off chances in doubt.

Upcoming fixtures without James

James will miss the Everton visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, leaving the Blues without their star forward.

The team also loses her for the crucial league clash with champions Manchester City the following weekend.

Her absence also raises doubts over her availability for England's World Cup qualifying play‑off.

The play‑off against Ukraine is scheduled for December, and James may not be fit in time.

After James came off in distress in the 35th minute, Bompastor confirmed a hamstring scan showed an injury.

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"She had a scan and she has an injury in her hamstring, so we won't see her until the end of this block," the manager said.

Midfielder Lexi Potter, who made her England debut last month, returned to the squad.

She had missed the trip to Charlton but is now available again.

Chelsea remain top of the Women's Super League this season.

They have secured victories both with and without James in the lineup.

Bompastor praised the team's ability to score through different players, noting that every player had a shot on goal in the Charlton win.

She added that her job is to find solutions when key players are unavailable.