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<\/p>\nMillie Bright has an injury and looks set to miss Chelsea\u2019s clash against Paris FC <\/p>\n
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Chelsea captain Millie Bright is likely to miss her side\u2019s Women\u2019s Champions League meeting with Paris FC at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Blues manager Emma Hayes confirmed Bright has a knee problem and, although it is not a serious issue, said the 30-year-old will also be a doubt for Sarina Wiegman\u2019s Lionesses squad for the upcoming Nations League games against the Netherlands and Scotland in the first week of December.<\/p>\n
Bright had knee surgery prior to last summer\u2019s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where she skippered England to second place, before returning to pre-season training at Cobham ahead of the Women\u2019s Super League season.<\/p>\n
The defender, who took over as Chelsea skipper from Magdalena Eriksson for the new WSL season, featured in all seven matches as England finished runners-up behind Spain having not played a competitive game for club or country since March.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve made it clear that having so many games in quick succession, we\u2019re managing our load,\u201d said Hayes. \u201cWe wanted to give her a bit of extra time but I think she\u2019s very much in doubt for (Thursday).<\/p>\n
\u201cPrior to the World Cup she had surgery on her knee, so preparation going into the World Cup wasn\u2019t ideal. She rushed herself back.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s come back and quickly into the Chelsea season, so perhaps she needed a little bit longer. Her knee\u2019s a little bit angry at the minute. It\u2019s not anything too detrimental, we\u2019re just listening to her body and how it\u2019s feeling.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a strong possibility (of missing the Lionesses\u2019 games).\u201d<\/p>\n
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Chelsea captain Millie Bright has a knee problem and could miss games for the Lionesses too <\/p>\n
Hayes said she is yet to decide whether she will travel to the United States during the international break, following the announcement last week that she is to take over the US national team after standing down as Chelsea coach in May.<\/p>\n
But she reiterated her stance that until then she remains committed to helping the club to a fifth straight WSL title and a first Champions League crown.<\/p>\n
The team will be looking to get the first win of their European campaign against Paris following the controversial 2-2 draw with Real Madrid last week.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not watching (the US players), I\u2019m watching my own team,\u201d said Hayes. \u201cThat\u2019s the work of the full-time team that are in place. I don\u2019t start working for US Soccer until May.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince I\u2019ve been appointed as the coach I\u2019ve had conversations with people. There are full-time people in post in the US and I\u2019ll be there in May. When the opportunity arises I will have conversations. But my full focus is on Chelsea.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Striker Sam Kerr praised departing manager Emma Hayes ahead of Chelsea\u2019s clash with Paris FC<\/p>\n
Striker Sam Kerr praised her manager\u2019s impact on the club during her 12-year tenure.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s obviously sad,\u201d she said about Hayes\u2019 departure. \u201cEmma\u2019s a great coach, a great leader and she\u2019s been here for so long. But that\u2019s football.<\/p>\n
\u201cChelsea are very lucky that they\u2019ve had her for as long as they have, but most of us in football are used to these things (managers leaving). We all wish her all the best (with the US).\u201d<\/p>\n
Hayes interjected: \u201cDo you mean that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d said Australia international Kerr.<\/p>\n