- Ramirez is sidelined after hamstring surgery
- Sam Kerr is edging closer to a long-awaited return
- Blues in talks to land Alyssa Thompson
Ramirez arrived from Levante in January 2024 for what was then a world-record transfer fee in women’s football.The deal was triggered after Kerr’s devastating ACL injury left Chelsea scrambling for cover. The Colombian hit the ground running, contributing three goals and two assists during the second half of the 2023-24 campaign. She followed that up last season with four goals and three assists across 17 league appearances as Chelsea powered their way to an unbeaten domestic treble. Now, just as she was expected to spearhead the Blues’ attack once again, Ramirez finds herself sidelined.
Chelsea put out a statement which read: “Chelsea can confirm Mayra Ramirez has undergone surgery on a hamstring injury sustained during our friendly against AC Milan last weekend. The striker returned to Chelsea this summer after reaching the Women’s Copa America final with Colombia, and she was selected to start in last weekend’s friendly against the Italian side. Unfortunately, Mayra had to be replaced in the 34th minute after sustaining an injury during the match that has required surgery. She will now begin a period of rehabilitation with the support of our medical team and be sidelined for a period of time.”
In response, Chelsea have accelerated their pursuit of USWNT winger Alyssa Thompson, as revealed by Kathryn Batte. The 19-year-old, currently at Angel City, has been on Chelsea’s radar for months. But with Ramirez unavailable, the urgency to seal the deal has increased.
There is, however, a glimmer of hope for Chelsea. Sam Kerr, the iconic Australian forward, has not played a competitive minute since tearing her ACL. But head coach Sonia Bompastor offered cautious optimism about her involvement last weekend. Whereas, England star Lauren James, who dazzled during the Lionesses’ triumphant European Championship run earlier this summer, is also ruled out “for a period of time”.
Chelsea kick off their WSL title defence on Friday evening at Stamford Bridge against Manchester City. Last season’s unbeaten treble was the product of a squad stacked with world-class options. But injuries to Ramirez, Kerr, and James will push that depth to the limit. It remains to be seen whether the Blues can cope without their marquee stars until reinforcements arrive.
