Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has downplayed the injury that forced Sam Kerr to be substituted off in the 32^nd minute of the Blues’ 7-0 win over Everton in the Women’s Super League on Sunday.

Matildas supporters were left concerned ahead of the Women’s World Cup when Kerr remained on the ground requiring treatment to her calf, before being replaced early in the game, having already scored to make it 2-0.

But Hayes clarified the situation. She said: “Yeah she’s fine. She was not feeling very well last night.

“She decided to play but her calf was cramping up so we decided to take her out. We decided not to take any risks.”

Kerr, who netted a crucial midweek winner over Liverpool, scored again against Everton with a trademark header in the 25^th minute from Niamh Charles’ cross.

Clare Wheeler put in a full shift for Everton.

The result means Chelsea are four points behind leaders Manchester United but the Blues have two games in hand.

Manchester City slipped further off the pace and down to third with a 2-1 loss to Liverpool where Hayley Raso was a 62^nd minute substitute.

Lydia Williams suffered an injury in the warm-up and missed Brighton & Hove Albion’s 1-0 home win over West Ham United which boosted their survival hopes.

Mackenzie Arnold played the full game for West Ham and made some good saves.

There were further injury concerns for the Matildas, with Steph Catley replaced 15 minutes after coming off the bench as Arsenal won 1-0 over Leicester City on Friday.

Catley, in her fourth game back following a foot injury, came on in the 58^th minute but exited in the 74^th minute. Arsenal teammate Caitlin Foord is already sidelined with a hamstring injury.

For Leicester, Courtney Nevin played a full game and Remy Siemsen was a 65^th minute substitute.

Ellie Carpenter grabbed an assist as Olympique Lyon won 3-0 at Dijon in the French Feminine Division 1 on Saturday. Carpenter put in a full shift.

44' : VICKI BECHO 🔥@DesbonneVicki fait le break sur une magnifique action collective. @DanielleDonk décale @CarpenterEllie à droite qui centre pour Becho pour le 2e but lyonnais !

0-2 #DFCOOL pic.twitter.com/47F8za3Eov

— OL Féminin (@OLfeminin) May 6, 2023

Others

Full games
Aivi Luik (Hacken), Jacynta Galabadaarachchi (Celtic)
Minutes
Katrina Gorry – ST 61 (Vittsjo), Charlotte Grant – ST 46 (Vittsjo), Kyra Cooney-Cross – ST 46 (Hammarby), Chelsie Dawber – ST 46 (Norrkoping), Larissa Crummer – SB 67 (Brann), Alex Chidiac – SB 46 (Racing Louisville)
Notable absentees
Emily van Egmond (San Diego Wave)