Rafferty expects to return against Man City

Chelsea Ladies defender Claire Rafferty expects to be fit for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.

The Blues left-back missed Chelsea’s last game, against Aston Villa, because of an Achilles problem she sustained while on international duty before the domestic season started.

And she was left out of the England squad for their recent Euro 2017 qualifying double header against Belgium and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

But Rafferty told West London Sport: “It should be fine for the FA Cup game game.

“I can play, but resting and managing it for a few days will allow it to settle, so I should be completely fine by the time we play our next game.”

Rafferty also missed the FA Cup match against Doncaster Rovers Belles on 20 March but played in the first Women’s Super League game against the same opposition four days later.

Claire Rafferty will be continuing her regular column for West London Sport throughout the 2016 season.

Tickets for Chelsea Ladies’ FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City on Sunday 17 April are on sale now, priced £5 for adults and £2 for juniors and seniors.

The game kicks off at 2pm and you can purchase your tickets by clicking here.