Lionesses star Hannah Hampton had to withdraw from Chelsea's starting XI ahead of the Champions League group stage clash with Real Madrid on Tuesday.
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Article continues below
Article continues below
- Hampton was in Chelsea XI to face Real Madrid
- Goalkeeper was a late withdrawal before kick-off
- Macario and Cuthbert also absent for Blues
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Hampton was set to start in between the sticks as the Blues kicked off their European campaign but pulled out of the team before kick-off, with Zecira Musovic instead emerging from the tunnel at Stamford Bridge as the starting goalkeeper.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Chelsea were already without a number of key players going into the game. As well as long-term absentees like Sam Kerr, Mia Fishel and Sophie Ingle, Niamh Charles was still sidelined with a shoulder injury, Kadeisha Buchanan was suspended and Erin Cuthbert and Catarina Macario were also missing, amid reports that there had been a sickness bug during the week.
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DID YOU KNOW?
According to broadcaster , Hampton was "taken ill" before kick-off and that is why Musovic had to be drafted in for what was her first start of the new season.
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WHAT NEXT FOR HAMPTON AND CHELSEA?
The Blues will certainly hope that Hampton, Cuthbert and Macario can all be back available for their next fixture, with them set to take on London rivals Arsenal in the Women's Super League on Saturday.
