Chelsea Suffer Hannah Hampton Injury Ahead of St Polten Clash

Chelsea handed a fresh setback as first-choice goalkeeper Hannah Hampton is ruled out of their crucial Women’s Champions League fixture against St Polten due to injury.

Chelsea Lose Hannah Hampton to Injury Before Key European Tie

Chelsea have confirmed that Hannah Hampton, the Lionesses’ number one and their mainstay between the posts, will miss the upcoming Women’s Champions League clash with St Polten. The injury, described as a minor quad issue, means Hampton will not travel with the 22-strong Blues squad to Austria. Head coach Sonia Bompastor revealed that Hampton is undergoing further assessments to determine the length of her absence.

Livia Peng Steps Up as Chelsea’s New Starting Goalkeeper

With Hampton sidelined, Swiss international Livia Peng is set to take over as Chelsea’s starting goalkeeper for the vital fixture. Peng joined Chelsea this past summer from Werder Bremen after featuring for Switzerland at Euro 2025. She made her debut for the Blues in their opening Champions League draw at FC Twente, her only appearance so far this season. Now, Peng is poised to make her mark again in a game where Chelsea are determined to maintain their unbeaten run in the group stage.

Chelsea’s Traveling Squad: Experience and Fresh Faces

The Blues’ squad for the trip to Austria includes goalkeepers Livia Peng and Becky Spencer. Defensive powerhouses like Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, and Naomi Girma have all made the traveling party, with Girma and dynamic forward Lauren James returning from injury. The full squad features a blend of experience and youth, with standout names across all positions:

• Goalkeepers: Livia Peng, Becky Spencer
• Defenders: Sandy Baltimore, Nathalie Bjorn, Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Veerle Buurman, Ellie Carpenter, Niamh Charles, Naomi Girma
• Midfielders: Erin Cuthbert, Oriane Jean-Francois, Maika Hamano, Wieke Kaptein, Sjoeke Nusken, Lexi Potter, Keira Walsh
• Forwards: Lauren James, Sam Kerr, Catarina Macario, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Alyssa Thompson

Chelsea’s Champions League Ambitions Remain High

Chelsea arrive in Austria as favourites, having opened their Champions League campaign with a 1-1 draw away at FC Twente, followed by an emphatic 4-0 win over Paris FC. Despite the setback of losing Hampton, expectations remain high for Bompastor’s side to secure back-to-back European wins and continue their strong start to the season.

Livia Peng Embraces the Challenge

Livia Peng has described signing for Chelsea as a dream come true. “When I was 10, I dreamed of playing for Chelsea. Now, my childhood dream has come true and it’s so exciting. I’m really happy to join the Chelsea family and get started. It’s such a big club. Chelsea want to win titles and so do I. We’re a good match. I’m hungry to win here,” Peng told the club’s media after her summer move.

Blues Maintain Momentum in Domestic and European Competitions

The Blues capped a dominant domestic season last year, winning the WSL, FA Cup, and League Cup without defeat. In the current Women’s Super League campaign, Chelsea are second in the table, just one point behind Manchester City after eight games. Head coach Sonia Bompastor remains confident in the squad’s depth and quality, emphasizing that the current league position is not a concern. “The most important thing for us is to be leading the race at the end of the season. I trust my squad – the quality I have in the squad to be able to do that,” Bompastor stated.

St Polten Provide Opportunity for a Statement Win

Chelsea’s opponents, St Polten, have struggled in the group stage, conceding nine goals in their first two Champions League outings. Bompastor’s side, unbeaten in their last 33 WSL matches and eyeing their first European crown, will expect nothing less than a convincing victory in Austria. The absence of Hannah Hampton is significant, but Chelsea’s depth—especially with players like Peng—means they remain well-positioned for success.

What This Means for Chelsea Moving Forward

While losing Hannah Hampton for such a pivotal game is a blow, Chelsea have demonstrated remarkable squad depth and adaptability. Livia Peng has a golden opportunity to showcase her abilities on the European stage and further integrate into the team. With a solid defensive line and potent attacking options, Chelsea should be able to cope with this setback and continue their quest for Champions League glory.

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Opinion: Chelsea’s Depth Will Be Tested, But Expect a Strong Response

In my view, the injury to Hannah Hampton is a test of Chelsea’s resilience and squad-building under Bompastor. Livia Peng’s enthusiasm and prior experience on the international stage should serve her well. With the quality throughout the squad and their recent unbeaten streak, Chelsea are well-equipped to overcome this hurdle and remain firm favourites for victory against St Polten.