Chelsea's Charles has surgery on dislocated shoulder

Niamh Charles has 18 England caps

Chelsea defender Niamh Charles has had successful surgery after dislocating her shoulder in a pre-season game against Feyenoord.

The England international, 25, left the pitch in tears during the 9-0 victory over the Dutch side.

Blues boss Sonia Bompastor confirmed in Friday's news conference that the operation was a success.

"Niamh dislocated her shoulder and had surgery yesterday," Bompastor said.

"She is fine, surgery went well, she is in pain but that's normal. She is fine mentally."

Chelsea begin the defence of their Women's Super League crown on Friday when they host Aston Villa in the season-opener live on BBC Two from 18:45 BST.

Chelsea also confirmed defender Jorja Fox has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury while on loan at fellow Women's Super League side Crystal Palace.

It is the second time the 21-year-old has suffered an ACL injury, after also doing so in May 2023.

She recently signed a new contract with Chelsea, running until 2027, before joining the Eagles on loan.

Fox has previously had loan spells at Charlton Athletic and Brighton, and has made five senior appearances for Chelsea.

It is the second ACL injury in a short space of time for Chelsea, after midfielder Sophie Ingle sustained the injury against Feyenoord on 7 September.

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor said: "That’s sad, we feel gutted for Jorja.

"The club is making sure we support them. They are both important for us. Jorja was on loan, Sophie was with us. It’s not good news, not a good time. It happens."