Chelsea Women's Quad Quest: Navigating Injuries and Intense Rivalries Towards Historic Triumphs
By Vishnu Raj
Chelsea has once again reached the FA Cup semi-final stage following a hard-fought victory over Everton. Their success isn't limited to domestic competitions; they've also clinched the top spot in their group to advance to the knockout stages of the Women's Champions League and currently lead the WSL table. Adding to their impressive campaign, last week's progression to the League Cup final keeps their quest for an illustrious quadruple very much alive.
Emma Hayes's side has faced its share of hurdles this season. The team suffered a significant defeat at the hands of Arsenal early in the WSL season, a match that raised questions and concerns. Adding to the challenges, Manchester City, who are currently level with CFCW on points in the WSL table, halted Chelsea's record-winning streak at home last month.
The squad has also been hit hard by injuries. Captain Millie Bright has been sidelined since November 2023, depriving the team of her leadership and defensive prowess. The situation worsened with Mia Fishel and Aniek Nouwen both out of action due to ACL injuries, dealing a blow to the team's depth and versatility. However, the most substantial loss for Chelsea has been the absence of Sam Kerr since January, one of the world's best players, also due to an ACL injury. Her absence is profoundly felt, given her ability to change the course of a game single-handedly. Despite these setbacks, Blues resilience and depth kept ambitions alive, showcasing the strength and character of the squad.