Health Alert: Lauren James Determines Fate on Two Fronts

In Chelsea Women's 5-0 victory over Manchester United, Lauren James scored, marking her fifth goal against United. She was deployed as a false nine, roaming freely across the pitch. Injuries have long plagued her — she was sidelined for 3.5 months last year, and suffered two three-month breaks the previous season. Chelsea's attack is ravaged by injuries, with a central striker vacancy and failed recruitment efforts. Bonhgasse says she is not a traditional nine and requires two wide players to support her. This season she has been healthy, with improvements in her technical and defensive game. Both Chelsea and England view her as a key player, with staying healthy being the prerequisite.