Hayes allays James injury fears ahead of crunch Man City clash

Emma Hayes has no concerns over Lauren James' fitness ahead of Friday's top-of-the-table Women's Super League clash with Manchester City.

James was a late withdrawal ahead of this afternoon's 1-0 Women's FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace.

But her boss says the England forward will be available for the Blues' next game.

Hayes told BBC Radio London: "She was a little bit sick yesterday.

"She warmed up but I decided to not take the risk and told her to go home.

"She will be fine in a couple of days but when your immunity is low you have to make those decisions as we have a big game coming up on Friday.

"They are in good form under Gareth Taylor. Both sides on the ball are good defensively and have goal threats and are good from set-pieces."

January signing Mayra Ramirez scored the only goal of the game in the 81st minute at Kingsmeadow.

And Hayes was happy to see her Colombian forward notch her first strike against a stubborn second-tier Palace side.

She added: "What a goal it was. She has everything in the locker so I am happy for her, it takes the pressure off her. 

"She doesn't speak a word of English so she is still trying to settle in and learn how to play our way. She is a top player.

"It was a superb performance from Crystal Palace — it was a cup game in every shape, way and form.

"It was scrappy, it was a team that fought for every ball and made it difficult in a block of 11 players behind it.

"There were no spaces between the line and I can see why they are tipped for promotion. They have given us a tougher game than some WSL games."

Chelsea will discover their last-eight opponents in tomorrow night's quarter-final draw.