Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has confirmed that goalkeeper Hannah Hampton will be sidelined for “a few weeks” due to a quadriceps injury sustained during Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the Women’s Super League (WSL). The 24-year-old England international was subsequently left out of Chelsea’s squad for their 6-0 midweek Women’s Champions League victory over Austrian side St Polten.

Bompastor provided an update on Hampton’s recovery, noting the uncertainty surrounding her return before the end of the year. “We’ll see if we can see her before the end of the year, but I’m not sure,” the Chelsea boss said. When asked whether Hampton might miss England’s upcoming friendlies against China (29 November) and Ghana (2 December), Bompastor added, “Yeah, it could be the case. Yes.”

Hampton’s injury comes amid renewed attention on a controversy involving former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who described Hampton in her autobiography as a “disruptive and unreliable” character. Earps, who was dropped in favor of Hampton for Euro 2025, sparked debate over team dynamics and leadership in the Lionesses squad.

In response, Bompastor publicly backed her goalkeeper, praising Hampton’s professionalism and “class” on and off the pitch. The Chelsea manager also criticized Earps’ comments as disrespectful toward Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman.

In Hampton’s absence, Swiss goalkeeper Livia Peng stepped in during Chelsea’s midweek Champions League victory, keeping the Blues on track in European competition. Chelsea currently sit second in the WSL standings, just one point behind leaders Manchester City, as they prepare for a crucial clash with Liverpool on Sunday.

Hampton had played in all eight of Chelsea’s WSL matches this season, highlighting her importance to the team’s defensive stability. Her temporary absence is likely to be felt, both domestically and internationally, as Chelsea and the Lionesses navigate a busy fixture schedule.