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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>James pulled out of Chelsea XI on Thursday</li><li>Now had to withdraw from England squad</li><li>Lionesses star could miss six weeks</li><li>Score free bets by claiming the generous <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/betting/boylesports-sign-up-offer/blt01ec11226887026f" target="_blank">BoyleSports new customer offer</a></li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Huge blow for the Lionesses! Chelsea star Lauren James could miss six weeks after pulling out of England squad ahead of fixtures with Germany and South Africa

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<p>James was named to Chelsea's starting line-up to face Twente in the Champions League on Thursday but had to withdraw just before kick-off due to a foot problem. </p><p>"In the last moment of the warm-up she felt something in her foot," <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/why-lauren-james-miss-chelsea-womens-champions-league-fc-twente-injury-update-lionesses-star-sonia-bompastor/blt97401832b2b526e4" target="_blank">head coach Sonia Bompastor said after the match</a>. "At the moment it’s too early for me to say something else."</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>On Sunday, just an hour before Chelsea's Women's Super League clash with Tottenham, England then released a squad update which revealed James would need to withdraw from Lionesses duty due to what they described as a calf injury. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Speaking to <em>Sky Sports</em> ahead of Chelsea's clash with Spurs, Bompastor said of James: "Lauren just picked up a calf injury so we'll see how long it will take for her to recover. She won't be with us today. She will be rehabbing for the international break and we'll see later how much time she will miss."</p><p>Asked how long the forward may be absent for, Bompastor responded: "Maybe five, six weeks. We'll see. [She's] not coming back for the next games, even after the international break."</p>

WHAT BOMPASTOR SAID

<p>Despite James' absence, England boss Sarina Wiegman is not planning to make any further additions to her squad at this moment. Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Aggie Beever-Jones and Jessica Naz are the other forwards she has called up for the October international break.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>While James stays with Chelsea and continues her recovery, the Lionesses will take on Germany at Wembley on October 25 before heading up to Coventry for another friendly match against South Africa four days later.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR JAMES AND ENGLAND?

Huge blow for the Lionesses! Chelsea star Lauren James pulls out of England squad ahead of fixtures with Germany and South Africa | Goal.com

Lionesses star Lauren James could be out for six weeks after withdrawing from the England squad ahead of games against Germany and South Africa.