Chelsea Suffer Hannah Hampton Injury Setback Ahead of St Polten Test

Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has been dealt an injury blow ahead of the crucial Women’s Champions League encounter with St Polten, forcing manager Sonia Bompastor to make significant changes to her squad.

Hannah Hampton Injury Clouds Chelsea’s Champions League Plans

Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, Hannah Hampton, has been sidelined with a minor quad injury just before the team faces Austrian side St Polten in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage. The injury, confirmed by coach Sonia Bompastor, has kept Hampton out of the 22-player traveling squad. She will undergo further assessment to determine the duration of her absence. With Hampton unavailable, Swiss international Livia Peng steps in as the starting goalkeeper, while Becky Spencer is named as backup.

Livia Peng Steps Up for Chelsea

Livia Peng, who joined the Blues from Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen in the summer after an impressive showing at Euro 2025 with Switzerland, is set for her Champions League starting debut for Chelsea. Peng made her first appearance for the club in a 1-1 draw with FC Twente and now faces the challenge of helping Chelsea maintain their unbeaten start in the competition. Remarking on her move to London, Peng shared, “It feels so good to be here. When I was 10, I dreamed of playing for Chelsea. Now, my childhood dream has come true, and it’s so exciting. Chelsea want to win titles and so do I. We’re a good match. I’m hungry to win here.”

Chelsea’s Squad for St Polten Clash

The full Chelsea squad traveling to Austria includes:
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

Lauren James and Naomi Girma return to the lineup after recovering from injuries, providing further depth as the team aims to continue its impressive form.

Champions League Objectives: Chelsea Aim for European Glory

Chelsea are targeting back-to-back wins in Group D after a 4-0 triumph over Paris FC and a draw against FC Twente. The Blues, currently unbeaten in the Women’s Super League for 33 matches, transfer their focus to European competition with sights set on their first-ever Women’s Champions League trophy. Bompastor remains confident in her squad, stating, “We always want to be the leaders, but the most important thing is to be leading at the end of the season. I trust my squad’s quality to achieve this.”

St Polten’s Struggles Provide Opportunity

St Polten have endured a tough start, conceding nine goals in their first two group matches. Chelsea are overwhelming favorites, and anything less than a convincing away victory would be a major surprise. Yet, the absence of Hampton presents a test of the Blues’ depth and resilience on the continental stage.

Domestic Success Brings Confidence

After completing a domestic treble last season without a single defeat, Chelsea have set high expectations for the 2025-26 campaign. They currently sit second in the Women’s Super League, just one point off leaders Manchester City after eight games. While injury setbacks like Hampton’s are never ideal, the depth and ambition within the squad remain clear.

Opinion: Chelsea’s Depth Faces a Crucial Test

Chelsea’s ability to adapt to the loss of Hannah Hampton will be a true measure of their squad depth and European credentials. Livia Peng has already shown her quality on the international stage, and this opportunity could see her cement a larger role with the Blues. The squad’s resilience and experience suggest they are more than capable of overcoming this temporary setback. For more news on Chelsea’s journey and all the latest football updates, visit for more news.