Nearly three weeks have passed since the Blues were last in action due to the international break, but we return with a massive game this weekend, as we look to retain our League Cup at Ashton Gate on Sunday.

The break between fixtures has been put to good use at Cobham, with Bompastor and the Blues staff working on the fitness of several players who were absent for much of February.

'Everyone came back from the international break good, so no new injuries,' confirmed Bompastor in her pre-match press conference. 'Millie Bright won’t be available for Sunday’s game, it’s taking a little bit longer than we expected, so I don’t have any time frame for her right now.

'Maybe we have Kadeisha Buchanan that will be back, and Nathalie Bjorn will be back. We worked really well with them during the international break.

'We were able to train with the boys’ Academy [during the international break]. I want to thank them for that because they helped us really well to prepare the players for the game on Sunday. It will be good to have those two back in the squad as well.'

Despite the good news on Buchanan and Bjorn's potential returns, there have been setbacks for those hoping to recover from longer-term injuries, including striker Mayra Ramirez.

'Mayra was progressing well but picked up a new injury in her rehab,' continued Sonia. 'It's been a really tough and difficult season for her, and I’m not sure we will see her until the end of the season, unfortunately.

'She’s struggling mentally, that’s normal. It’s been a tough season for her with injuries and sometimes it’s difficult to explain everything. I spoke with her yesterday; she’s really low right now. That’s normal. But everyone in the club is making sure we are supporting her in the right way and providing her with what she needs.'

It is a similar situation for Niamh Charles and Catarina Macario, who Bompastor confirmed will not feature against Manchester United this weekend.

'Niamh is still struggling a little bit with her ankle,' added the Chelsea head coach. 'I think she’s still describing some discomfort and pain, not having a stable ankle.

'We are sometimes making some progress, but when we are getting to a point where she is close to getting back to training sessions, we take some steps back. So, it's not going in a progressive way. It’s unfortunate and now I don’t have any time frame.

'Cat is the same, she’s not making any progress and I don’t have any time frame on Cat as well, which is unfortunate.'