Chelsea have confirmed they will begin their Women’s Super League title defence without Lauren James due to injury.

James, who starred for the Blues as they won the WSL title in Sonia Bompastor’s first season in charge, sustained an injury while on international duty with England this summer.

The 23-year-old played a starring role for the Lionesses during their European Championships triumph, starring in four of the six games, including their win in the final over Spain.

James scored twice at the tournament, but was forced off at half-time during both their semi-final win over Italy and in the showpiece match due to a niggling issue.

The winger endured an injury-hit season for the Blues in 2024-25, playing just nine matches in the WSL, but still managed to register three goals and one assist.

She suffered a hamstring injury while playing for England against Belgium in April, and also spent an extended period on the sidelines with a lower-leg problem.

An injury update on Lauren James.

— (C)helsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) August 20, 2025

Chelsea confirmed that James will “undergo a period of rehabilitation” with the club, and will be sidelined for a “period of time.”

Bompastor’s side claimed their sixth consecutive WSL title last season as part of their treble, topping the league with two games to spare and securing a record points total.

They begin their campaign on September 5 with a mouth-watering clash against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.