Girma out for weeks after Chelsea's 5-0 rout of Man United

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor confirmed Naomi Girma has picked up a minor injury and faces several weeks on the sidelines following the Women's Super League side's 5-0 demolition of Manchester United on Sunday.

'Naomi just picked up a small injury,' Bompastor said. 'She maybe won't be available for the next weeks. It's unfortunate, but hopefully she'll be back soon.'

Striker Melvine Malard was also absent through injury against her former club, but the depleted squad showed little sign of weakness as Chelsea responded emphatically to last weekend's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.

Goals from Sjoeke Nusken, Keira Walsh, Lauren James, Ellie Carpenter and Lucy Bronze sealed the comfortable victory, with Bompastor crediting her side's improved finishing as the key difference from the previous fixture.

'In this game, the big difference from last weekend was us being able to convert and to score the goals during our strong moments,' the head coach said. 'I'm quite happy with the reaction we had from last weekend.'

Walsh marked a double milestone on Sunday, making her 50th appearance for Chelsea and her 100th match overall in the WSL. The England international scored a long-range strike and assisted James's goal, with Bompastor revealing staff have been actively encouraging the midfielder to shoot from distance.

'She has a great shot, and she still has more to come,' Bompastor said. 'Today she was unbelievable. We are really encouraging her to take opportunities from the edge of the box.'

Bompastor also highlighted the team's defensive discipline off the ball as an area of improvement, noting the counter-press and intensity helped keep United pinned back throughout the afternoon. She cautioned, however, that the season remains in its early stages and consistency will be the next test for her squad.