Chelsea host the Austrian side in our first fixture of this season’s league phase. Kick-off at Plough Lane on Wednesday evening is at 8pm, with tickets for the game still available.

Our European opener arrives following the WSL success over Birmingham City and prior to Sunday’s exciting derby against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Speaking to the media at Cobham, Bompastor confirmed the target remains for James to return in time for that meeting with our London rivals, after the attacker picked up a small knock in training last Friday.

‘She should be available for the game on the weekend, but we don’t want to take any risks for the game tomorrow,’ said Bompastor. ‘She’s a bit short.’

Meanwhile, Bompastor was pleased to confirm that Erin Cuthbert and Manaka Matsukubo are back on the grass having yet to feature this season. So is Aggie Beever-Jones, who missed the weekend win over Birmingham, although the trio aren’t yet ready to return to match action.

‘They are training again with the team, so a lot of players and it’s good news. Manaka is back in training, not fully fit yet, but it’s good to have her back.

‘It’s really good to see Erin back. I’m always happy when I have most of my players on the pitch. It brings positivity around the team and the quality on the pitch progresses.

‘It’s always good to have that competition in the squad, and everyone being happy to be on the pitch together.’

Naomi Girma returned to the matchday squad when we beat Birmingham having picked up a small injury the week before.

Bompastor was asked where the American is at fitness wise and how much she will be involved in the coming, busy weeks ahead.

‘She’s an important player for us,’ replied Bompastor. ‘She has a lot of experience for us and for the US as well.

‘We are trying to work with her to be on the pitch as much as possible. When we get that right, you will see the best of her. She’s a great player and a great leader.

‘This league is very demanding in terms of physicality, and it’s a new club for her so we are trying to have everything right around her for her to be able to stay on the pitch,' added Bompastor.

'She’s been a little bit unlucky with some of the injuries she has got, but I am confident she will get there and be an important player for us.’