Lauren James fit as Chelsea have full squad for Tottenham derby

Lauren James is fit and Chelsea have every player available for Sunday’s Women’s Super League derby against Tottenham Hotspur, leaving Sonia Bompastor with a full squad to select from at Stamford Bridge.

James scored twice for England in their 5-0 win over Greece on Tuesday. After the forward returned to Chelsea, Bompastor said she had trained well and was “in a good headspace”. The update means Chelsea’s coach can consider James for the derby after her international appearances.

“The team is looking good,” Bompastor said. “All the squad is available, so I’ll have some headaches for the game on Sunday.” She described the full group as a positive position to be in, with choices to make over her starting XI and the players who could come on during the match.

Chelsea’s internationals returned to Cobham over the past few days and resumed training ahead of the fixture. The squad had completed one session, with another planned for the following day. Bompastor said the level of the first session pleased her and that the players had returned with a good level of fitness.

The availability news gives Bompastor options across the squad as Chelsea prepare to face Spurs. James’s fitness is a particular point of interest after her two goals for England, but the update is broader: Bompastor has no fitness concerns among her players for the derby.

Chelsea have won four and drawn one of their opening five league matches. They head into Sunday’s game unbeaten, with the chance to continue that start against Tottenham. Bompastor’s immediate task is choosing a team from a fully available group; her comments make clear that selection will involve decisions on both the starting side and the substitutes.