Hayes undeterred by injuries as Blues prepare for FA Cup semi

Emma Hayes insists “nothing changes” despite centre-backs Millie Bright and Kadeisha Buchanan being unavailable for Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa on Sunday. 

Skipper Bright and Buchanan are both out injured as the Blues look to take another step in their bid for an unprecedented treble against Carla Ward’s Villa at the Bescot Stadium. 

Hayes’ side beat their semi-final opponents 3-0 when they met in the Women’s Super League earlier this month. 

Yet the Chelsea boss expects an improved performance from Villa with a Wembley date against Manchester United awaiting the winners on May 14.

Hayes, 46, said: “Nothing changes. We build a squad to prepare for this moment.

“Our players want these opportunities, to continue to impress. 

“We have a team full of internationals, we have the qualities to cope. 

“It’s an FA Cup game, which makes it difficult. Villa were disappointed in their performance last time, so we will expect an aggressive performance and difficult game. 

“We will prepare as we do every week but this time with an FA Cup final on the line. At the end of the game we want to be going to Wembley.”

Victory for Chelsea would move them closer to becoming the first English side to complete a domestic and European treble. 

Despite trailing United by a point, the Blues have a game in hand and are in pole position to retain their WSL title.

They face Barcelona in the first leg of the semi-finals of the Champions League next Saturday but must first deal with Villa. 

Hayes added: “Carla has done a great job. They are efficient against top teams, they make the most of set-pieces and in the transitions. 

“The next step is how you be more than that. She knows that, she will have to keep improving the squad. 

“They have had an amazing season with consistent performances throughout.”