Chelsea defender Naomi Girma will miss her club’s Women’s FA Cup semifinal against Manchester City after suffering a calf setback, Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor confirmed at a news conference, the report says.
Girma was omitted from the squad for Chelsea’s most recent match, a 3-1 Women’s Super League victory over Leicester, per the report. Bompastor said the decision to leave Girma out reflected the injury issue that will sideline her for the upcoming cup tie.
The manager also provided an update on goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, saying she was fit after being named on the bench against Leicester, while Livia Peng was given the start. Bompastor is reported to have described the weekend selection as a rotation intended to give other players opportunities.
Per the report, Bompastor praised Peng’s performances, saying the goalkeeper had been outstanding and therefore deserved the chance to play. The Chelsea boss reiterated that Girma would not be available for the weekend because of the calf problem.
The Cup meeting with City comes days after Andree Jeglertz’s side were confirmed as WSL champions, the report says. Arsenal’s draw at Brighton ensured the leaders could no longer be caught and secured City’s first title since 2016, the report adds. Jeglertz said winning should help build a mentality and confidence that can be carried into other competitions, per the report.
The remaining Women’s FA Cup semifinal is scheduled for Sunday, with Liverpool set to host Brighton in the earlier kick-off, the report says.
