Chelsea boss Emma Hayes could make a much anticipated return to the touchline for the Blues’ next Women’s Super League clash against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, just five weeks after undergoing an emergency hysterectomy.
Hayes revealed in a statement in October that she was removing herself from the rigours of management in order to recover from the operation amid an ongoing battle with endometriosis. In the 46-year-old’s absence, general manager Paul Green and assistant coach Denise Reddy have deputised commendably, winning all six matches across all competitions.
And Green confirmed after Chelsea’s emphatic 3-1 victory over title rivals Manchester United on Sunday evening that Hayes is likely to make a comeback at Stamford Bridge on November 20.
READ MORE: Chelsea star Jessie Fleming commits future to Emma Hayes' project with new two-year contract
Speaking to SkySports, Green said: “We go into the international break hopefully ready to welcome Emma Hayes back to the touchline for our next game, if everything goes well, against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.”
The news comes as a major boost for Chelsea, who are now level on points with table leaders Arsenal following Sunday night’s victory. The Blues entered the match on a five-game winning streak and extended it with an incisive dispatching of United away from home.
And while Hayes' presence has been sorely missed, Green credited his side’s capacity to bounce back in vicious fashion from a shock opening day defeat to recently-promoted Liverpool to none other than Hayes.
“The way they’ve come through it and won every game is testament to all the players and staff - the thing that Emma has put in place,” he said.
Hayes watched on as goals from Sam Kerr, Lauren James and Erin Cuthbert sealed the win, tweeting afterwards: “'Watching games at home with intermittent internet. I can't cope.
“I'm so ready to go back to work but what a team, staff, players and fans we have. Everyone has been amazing. So so proud. And I can't do this home watching for much longer.”
That United went into yesterday’s contest with a perfect WSL record of five wins and zero goals conceded was immaterial to a Chelsea side intent on piling pressure onto Marc Skinner’s outfit. That determination eventually broke the deadlock in the second half, with Sam Kerr powering a low shot beyond England keeper Mary Earps on her 150th WSL appearance.
Hardly two minutes later, Kerr fed in Lauren James who slotted coolly past Earps. While Lionesses star Alessia Russo pulled one back for United not long after, Cuthbert wrapped up the classy act in stoppage time with a deflected strike from outside the area.
In response to the match, Green said: “We found a way in the second half, and when we went 2-0 up, I thought some of the football we played was outstanding. We thoroughly deserved the win.”
Chelsea now move to the top of the table, level on points with Arsenal, while United slip to third.
READ MORE:
Jonas Eidevall explains what pleased him most about Arsenal's comfortable WSL win over Leicester
- Aston Villa Women 'ride storm' to end winless run in Liverpool clash
- Man City Women claim fourth successive WSL win as Lauren Hemp runs riot vs Reading
- Chelsea draw Borussia Dortmund in Champions League last-16
Paul Konchesky and Hawa Cissoko receive FA punishment for Aston Villa and West Ham drama
