Women’s football: Chelsea boss Hayes has praise for German stopper + captain a doubt for West Ham derby

BY PAUL LAGAN

Magda Eriksson is battling to be fit for Chelsea’s WSL match against West Ham United on Sunday.

The Blues skipper was a surprise omission due to injury from Wednesday night’s 2-0 Champions League win against Atletico Madrid.

The Sweden centre-back’s absence almost proved fatal to the Blues ambitions of landing the women’s premier European trophy as her replacement, midfielder Sophie Ingle, gave away a penalty after 13 minutes and was sent off.

But goalkeeper Ann-Karin Berger made a diving save to prevent an away goal in the two-legged round of 16 tie at Kingsmeadow.

Goals by Maren Mjelde from the penalty spot and an opportunistic effort from Fran Kirby saw the west Londoners take control. Berger saved another penalty late on.

Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes said: “I’m not sure if she [Eriksson] will be ready for West Ham, [the injury] is not something big. I’d say it’s 50-50. If she’s not ready, then she will be for the next game.”

Hayes was full of praise for Berger. She said: “She had a dramatic evening, two penalties, two saves and a kick in the head from her own team-mate. She is the best shotstopper in the league, she was absolutely brilliant.

“I knew when she arrived we would be able to compete for trophies. I can’t believe Germany does not rate her as their number one.

“They [West Ham] have a new manager, he is running them hard. I respect every opponent and never take any game for granted. I always prepare every game as if it’s the Champions League final.”