Really intrigued to watch Sam Coffey settle into this Man City team before the WSL season is over. She arrives as a world-class holding midfielder but Andree Jeglertz is challenging her to unlock her attacking potential in a midfield that has thrived on versatility...
Chelsea’s WSL title defence hasn’t gone to plan but the Blues still have three trophies on the table going into the business end of the season.
Erin Cuthbert talks me through the emotions of this season, how Chelsea can make their experience count and what this weekend’s League Cup final means.
On Macario:
“The same with Cat Macario. She's not making any progress and I don't have any timeframe on Cat as well, which is unfortunate."
On Charles:
"Niamh is still struggling a little bit with her ankle. I think she's still describing some pain and discomfort. We are sometimes making some progress but when we are getting to a point where she is close to training, we make some steps back. It's not going in a progressive way.“
More Ramirez:
“She's struggling mentally. That's normal. It's been a tough season for her and sometimes it's difficult to explain everything. I spoke with her yesterday. She's really low right now but everyone is making sure we are supporting her in the right way and providing her what she needs.”
On Ramirez:
"Mayra was progressing well but she picked up a new injury in her rehab again. It's been a really tough and difficult season for her. I'm not sure we will see her until the end of the season, unfortunately.”
“Buchanan will be back. Björn will be back. We worked really well with them during the international break. We could train with the boys' academy. I want to thank them because they helped us really well to prepare the players for the game on Sunday. It will be good to have those two in the squad.”
On Bright:
“Millie won't be available for the Sunday game. It's taking a little bit longer than we expected. I don't have any time frame for her right now."
Lots of injury updates from Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor today.
Nathalie Björn returns for Sunday’s League Cup final against Man Utd, but Millie Bright is ruled out. Still no timeframe on Niamh Charles or Catarina Macario, while Mayra Ramirez has suffered a new setback.
Really intrigued to watch Sam Coffey settle into this Man City team before the WSL season is over. She arrives as a world-class holding midfielder but Andree Jeglertz is challenging her to unlock her attacking potential in a midfield that has thrived on versatility...
"Have freedom, find the ball, find the spaces, find the pockets."
That's the message Jess Park has had since joining Man Utd, where she's exploded into life in a uniquely free role.
"I loved every minute of it."
Interview ⬇️
"Have freedom, find the ball, find the spaces, find the pockets."
That's the message Jess Park has had since joining Man Utd, where she's exploded into life in a uniquely free role.
"I loved every minute of it."
Interview ⬇️
Felt like there was even more to take from England’s camp this week than often. Some thoughts from the Lionesses’ first games of 2026, ahead of that big match-up with Spain next month…
Felt like there was even more to take from England’s camp this week than often. Some thoughts from the Lionesses’ first games of 2026, ahead of that big match-up with Spain next month…
Women’s Asian Cup starts on Sunday and all games will be available to watch live on the tournament’s YouTube channel for those in the UK (and those in territories without a broadcast deal).
Starts March 1, 9am GMT, as Australia face the Philippines.
youtube.com/@afcasiancup...
I wonder if Martin Ho might be considering looking at a back three, as he does have some players who could adjust to playing in a centre-back role but that shape might just give them an extra layer of comfort. Does require adapting in several areas though
The Asian Cup and AFCON promise to be fascinating this month - but similarly intriguing is how both will impact ongoing club competitions.
It's the Asian Cup which will really hit the WSL hard, though there are some key AFCON absentees too. Who will struggle most? I had a run through each team...
Half time here in Leigh where the score in this Champions League knockout play-off tie second leg reads Man Utd 2-0 Atletico Madrid.
Atleti started well but United have extended their aggregate lead to 5-0 thanks to goals from Julia Zigiotti Olme and Jess Park. Park's in particular was a beauty.
A whopping 16 WSL players in Japan’s squad for the Asian Cup, which begins March 1. On top of the actual tournament itself being a spectacle, it’s going to be fascinating to see how teams cope with those absentees and how it could impact the race for UWCL, for example.
www.jfa.jp/women/news/0...
As Man Utd enter a period of five huge games in 16 days, the squad depth that their January business has added is going to be vital. I'm particularly intrigued to see what that looks like in attack, where the Red Devils now appear to have the variety and quality to cause real problems.
Tottenham finished second-from-bottom in the WSL last season. Their top-flight record against Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City & Man Utd is two wins, five draws, 42 losses. Financially, they are nowhere near the ‘big four’. And yet, Spurs are right in the fight with all of them for a Champions League spot
Loved this bit with Sky Sports that I reference in the piece. Such great insight into the deadly duo Miedema and Shaw have become
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSK0...
Vivianne Miedema was a star in the last team other than Chelsea to win the WSL title. Now, in a totally different position, and after a rough couple of years, her world-class quality is playing a key role in the side that is about to end Chelsea's six-year dominance of this competition
Sonia Bompastor says Lucy Bronze was missing for Chelsea today having felt pain in her shin, the same one she fractured at Euro 2025
FT: Man City 5-1 Chelsea
Chelsea's biggest WSL defeat in over seven years comes as a result of a Kerolin hat-trick, plus goals for Shaw and Miedema. City now 11 points clear at the top of the table with eight games to go, and surely on the brink of a first WSL title in 10 years.
Great moment here for Mary Fowler, who comes on for her first appearance since April of last year, when she suffered a devastating ACL injury
Kerolin subbed off to a standing ovation after an oustanding performance. Blindkilde Brown also replaced, as Fujino and Coffey come on.
Chelsea make another sub, too, as James is replaced by Rytting Kaneryd.
4-0. Kerolin hat-trick. Wow
Bompastor reponds with two subs. Cuthbert and Buurman off, Nusken and Kerr on
Game, set and match! 3-0 to Man City, thanks to an outstanding individual goal from Kerolin. The forward runs from inside her own half on a one-woman counter attack and dinks it over Hampton in style.
