Chelsea star suffers horror injury against Manchester United in league cup final

Manchester United headed into the League Cup final earlier today knowing they were the underdogs.

The Red Devils were up against one of the toughest sides in the women’s game, with Chelsea once again competing on multiple fronts and chasing more silverware.

For United, finals like this are always about more than just the trophy itself.

They are a chance to make a statement, to show they can go toe-to-toe with the very best, and to test themselves under the pressure that only big occasions really bring.

Chelsea, meanwhile, came into the game with the sort of depth most sides in the division can only envy.

Even when changes are needed, they are usually able to turn to established internationals and keep their level high, which is exactly why they have remained such a force domestically.

That was the backdrop to a difficult afternoon for one of their defenders.

According to The Sun, Chelsea star Nathalie Bjorn suffered a cruel injury blow just two minutes after being introduced from the bench against Manchester United in the League Cup final.

The defender was making her first appearance since November, but her return lasted only moments.

After receiving a pass and playing the ball forward, Bjorn immediately appeared to clutch her calf before going to ground in clear distress.

It quickly became obvious that the issue was serious enough for Chelsea’s medical staff to rush on, with team-mates also gathering around her as the game was halted.

Hannah Hampton was among those who signalled to the bench, and Nathalie Bjorn was eventually helped from the pitch by two physios.

The 28-year-old was visibly emotional as she made her way down the tunnel, with the injury ending what should have been a welcome return to action.

Former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis reacted to the scenes and said: “They need to look after Nathalie Bjorn physically and mentally.”

She continued: “These girls are a long way from home and they need to be looked after as family at the club.

“And I’m sure they will be.

“This will be a low point for Bjorn but hopefully she can come back safely.”

Wieke Kaptein came on to replace Bjorn as Chelsea continued to push on in the final stages of the game.

Chelsea ultimately beat United 2-0, lifting the trophy, with Lauren James opening the scoring before Aggie Beever-Jones added a second as the game moved into its closing stretch.

For Bjorn though, the scoreline was always going to feel secondary.

After months out, this was meant to be the start of her return.

Instead, it became one of the toughest moments of Chelsea’s afternoon, with everyone now waiting to see how serious the injury proves to be.