Sonia Bompastor has laughed off suggestions that Chelsea are facing an injury crisis ahead of Tuesday’s Women’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal.The Blues head to the Emirates Stadium with a significantly depleted squad, with only eight senior outfield players taking part in an open training session at Cobham on Monday morning. Key defenders Millie Bright and Nathalie Björn remain sidelined, while Mayra Ramírez and Niamh Charles are also unavailable for the trip to north London.
Individual programs explaining low training numbers
Bompastor was in a relaxed mood when asked about the thin numbers on the training pitch, joking that she was not preparing for a game of “World Sevens” and insisting that tailored recovery programs were responsible for the apparent lack of bodies.
“Everything is under control,” Bompastor said. “We are aware we are playing a big game. When you are playing a lot of games and there are quick turnarounds, a lot of players do individual programs.
“We will have enough players to play the game tomorrow. I am not concerned.”
Sonia Bompastor and Erin Cuthbert speak ahead of the Champions League quarter-final.
Fitness updates on Beever-Jones, Kerr, and Carpenter
The squad depth is being tested to the limit during a grueling March schedule which saw Chelsea drop points in a 1-1 draw against London City Lionesses on Saturday. Despite that domestic setback, the coaching staff confirmed several key fitness updates ahead of Tuesday night:
Aggie Beever-Jones: Facing a late fitness test on Tuesday morning after picking up an ankle knock at the weekend.
Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter: Will not be involved after returning from the Asian Cup final in Australia. Bompastor confirmed it would be “too high risk” to play them so soon after the tournament.
Long-term absentees: Millie Bright and Niamh Charles remain out of contention for the first leg.
Recent record at the Emirates provides encouragement
Arsenal, the defending European champions, go into the tie in formidable form following a 5-0 victory over West Ham, but Chelsea’s recent record in north London is encouraging. The Blues have lost just twice in their last 14 visits to the Emirates Stadium.
“We know Arsenal’s quality and their technicality is high,” Bompastor added. “But we have the DNA of winners. We prepared for this. It is a Champions League quarter-final; these are the games our players live for.”
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