Hayes admits disappointment with absence of Kerr and Ramirez partnership | OneFootball

Soon to depart Chelsea Women’s boss Emma Hayes admits it has been a disappointment not being able to see the partnership of new signing Mayra Ramirez and star striker Sam Kerr.

Kerr suffered an ACL injury in December and remains sidelined for the foreseeable future. New signing Ramirez, meanwhile, grabbed her first Chelsea goal in the Women’s FA Cup against Crystal Palace last weekend, having signed for the club in January.

But Hayes admits likely not being able to see the combination of Kerr and her new signing in action together before she leaves for the USA Women’s National team job at the end of this season.

“There is no denying you lose connections, losing a player in Sam (Kerr) and the connections she built up with players”, said Hayes.

“There are a lot of new connections, so it is not just about Mayra (Ramirez) coming into the team. There is a lot of new pairings.

“Mayra has shown daily, not only does she understand what we are asking from her, but there is no doubt in my mind there is much improvement to be made.

“She is going to be a top player, no doubt about it.”

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Hayes also confirmed that Lauren James could feature against Manchester City in the WSL after being benched in the previous two games, with Millie Bright close to a return too.

“Yeah she is available for selection,” Hayes said when asked about James. “Millie Bright is also getting much closer.”

“Sam (Kerr) is in good spirits. She has her head down and she is putting her energy into getting herself in the best place.”