Lauren James set for Chelsea comeback in FA Cup after injury | OneFootball

Lauren James is set to make her return this weekend in Chelsea’s FA Cup clash after almost three months out.

The 23-year-old, named in the FIFPro World XI, has been out since mid-October with a calf injury.

And Chelsea Women’s boss Sonia Bompastor expressed her delight at having the 23-year-old back to full fitness ahead of Chelsea starting their FA Cup campaign this weekend.

“LJ is dying to play! She loves football, she is so passionate,” Bompastor said. “When she is not on the pitch she is so sad.

“It’s been a long time for her but she’s been working hard and she had the right mentality. We are all happy she is back and I hope she will have a big impact with us.

“LJ is a player who has a lot of qualities and talents – she is a creative player and most people in football enjoy watching these types of players. In possession of the ball, she is one of the best in the world.”

Chelsea launch their FA Cup campaign in the fourth round this weekend against Charlton.

Bompastor’s Blues have been dominant in the WSL so far and will be hoping to replicate this form in the cup, her first experience of the competition.

“I’m really excited about the FA Cup,” she added. “We are all very excited to start this competition. We are really excited because I know how big the FA Cup is in England and it’s another trophy to win.

“We have two more competitions [FA Cup and League Cup] in this second part of the season – and we have to be ready for that. With the players and the squad we have but maybe also studying opportunities we have in the transfer window.

“Every game is a priority because every game can bring a trophy to the club.”