da blaze casino: Chelsea boss Emma Hayes has explained why Lauren James was a surprise omission from her side's narrow FA Cup win over Crystal Palace.
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Chelsea beat Palace 1-0 in FA CupRamirez goal helped stave off upsetWinger James absent from victoryGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Mayra Ramirez's stunning 81st-minute winner secured the Blues' passage into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup after a 1-0 victory over second-tier Palace at Kingsmeadow on Sunday. However, England star James was a notable absentee from the win, with manager Hayes saying she was sent home due to illness.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT EMMA HAYES SAID
The Chelsea boss said on James' absence: "She was a little bit sick yesterday (Saturday), her tonsils were up and I decided not to take the risk. I told her to go home. She will be fine… you have to make those decisions knowing you’ve got some big games coming up.”
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Chelsea are on course for a record-breaking season as they are top of the Women's Super League, into the knockout stages of the Champions League, the semi-finals of the League Cup, and now the last eight of the FA Cup. Therefore, giving some key players a rest at the right time could be key going forward.
WHAT NEXT?
Hayes' formidable Chelsea side take on high-flying Manchester City at home in a top of the table WSL clash on Friday night, before having a two-week break and then travelling to mid-table Leicester City on March 3.