Key Chelsea Players Ruled Out for Women's FA Cup Clash

Bompastor provides injury updates as Blues face Crystal Palace in crucial cup tie

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:58am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a women's football match, with the players and the field of play broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the intensity and movement of the game.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes Women's FA Cup clash, capturing the dynamic energy and fractured perspectives of the game.Stockton Today

Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor has revealed that four key players - Aggie Beever-Jones, Niamh Charles, Keira Walsh, and Catarina Macario - will miss the upcoming Women's FA Cup fifth-round match against Crystal Palace due to injuries. However, Bompastor offered some encouraging news about their recovery progress, suggesting that Beever-Jones and Walsh are nearing a return to the squad.

Why it matters

Chelsea's injury woes come at a crucial time, as the team looks to advance in the FA Cup. The absences of these influential players could impact the team's performance and chances of victory against Crystal Palace. However, the potential return of Beever-Jones and Walsh in the near future provides a glimmer of hope for Chelsea supporters.

The details

Bompastor acknowledged that the upcoming match may be too soon for the quartet's return, but she assured fans that the wait is almost over. 'Keira and Aggie are making excellent strides in their rehabilitation,' the coach stated, 'and they are on the cusp of rejoining the team.' As for Macario and Charles, Bompastor provided updates on their specific injuries, with Macario dealing with a heel issue and Charles still recovering from an ankle injury sustained in September.

  • The Women's FA Cup fifth-round match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace is scheduled for this weekend.
  • Beever-Jones and Walsh are nearing a return to the Chelsea squad, according to Bompastor.

The players

Sonia Bompastor

The head coach of Chelsea's women's team, who provided updates on the injured players.

Aggie Beever-Jones

A Chelsea player who is making progress in her rehabilitation and nearing a return to the squad.

Niamh Charles

A Chelsea player who has been dealing with an ankle injury since September and is still recovering.

Keira Walsh

A Chelsea player who is also making excellent strides in her rehabilitation and is close to rejoining the team.

Catarina Macario

A Chelsea player who is managing a heel injury and making steady progress in her recovery.

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What they’re saying

“'Keira and Aggie are making excellent strides in their rehabilitation, and they are on the cusp of rejoining the team.'”

— Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea Head Coach

“'Catarina is diligently managing her heel pain and making steady progress. As for Niamh, she's working through some ankle discomfort caused by a previous injury. We're taking a cautious approach to ensure she's pain-free when she returns.'”

— Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Chelsea's injury woes have left them shorthanded for the crucial FA Cup clash, but the potential return of Beever-Jones and Walsh provides a glimmer of hope. The team's depth will be tested, and this could be an opportunity for some rising stars to make their mark. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of the match and the progress of the injured players.