LONDON – A frustrating injury setback has dimmed the outlook for Chelsea striker Mayra Ramírez, potentially ending her season and raising concerns for the Colombia women’s national team as they prepare for crucial upcoming matches. The 26-year-old forward suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury during rehabilitation, Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor confirmed on Thursday.
Ramírez, who joined Chelsea in January 2024 for a then-record fee of €450,000 from Levante, has yet to feature for the Blues this season after initially sustaining the injury in a pre-season game against AC Milan in August. The initial prognosis suggested a return in early 2026, but this latest development casts significant doubt on her availability for the remainder of the campaign.
“Mayra was progressing well, but she picked up a recent injury in her rehab again,” Bompastor stated in a press conference ahead of Chelsea’s League Cup final against Manchester United. “It’s been a really tough and difficult season for her. I’m not sure we will see her until the finish of the season, unfortunately.”
The news is a blow to Chelsea, who were hoping to integrate Ramírez fully into their squad after her high-profile transfer. Prior to the injury, Ramírez had established herself as a key player for Levante, scoring 20 goals in 34 Women’s Super League appearances. Her arrival at Chelsea was seen as a significant statement of intent by the club, bolstering their attacking options in a competitive league.
However, the impact extends beyond club football. Ramírez is a vital component of the Colombian national team, currently preparing for upcoming fixtures in the CONMEBOL Women’s Nations Cup, a qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The team faces Venezuela on April 10th, Chile on April 14th, and Argentina on April 18th in Lanús, Argentina.
Bompastor emphasized the emotional toll the injury has taken on Ramírez. “She’s struggling mentally. That’s normal. I think it’s been a tough season for her with injuries. And sometimes it’s difficult to explain everything,” she said. “I spoke with her yesterday. She’s really low right now. That’s normal. But everyone in the club is making sure we are supporting her in the right way, and we are providing her what she needs.”
Ramírez’s injury history has turn into a growing concern. She initially joined Sporting de Huelva in 2020 before moving to Levante in 2022, where she showcased her goal-scoring prowess. Her ability to lead the line and create opportunities made her a sought-after player, ultimately leading to her transfer to Chelsea.
The hamstring injury sustained in August proved to be a significant hurdle, and this latest setback raises questions about the long-term impact on her career. Hamstring injuries are notoriously difficult to fully recover from, often leading to recurring issues. The club’s medical staff will be working closely with Ramírez to ensure she receives the best possible care and support during her rehabilitation.
The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate for Colombia, as they look to secure qualification for the 2027 World Cup. Ramírez’s presence in the attack provides a significant threat, and her absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team. Head coach Ángelo Marsiglia will demand to find alternative options to fill the void left by the Chelsea forward.
Whereas the exact extent of the new injury hasn’t been publicly disclosed, Bompastor’s comments suggest it is serious enough to jeopardize Ramírez’s participation for the remainder of the season. This leaves Chelsea with a challenging task as they navigate a busy schedule in the Women’s Super League and other competitions.
The Women’s Super League is becoming increasingly competitive, with several teams vying for the title. Chelsea, as the defending champions, will need to rely on their depth and quality to overcome this setback and maintain their position at the top of the table.
For Ramírez, the focus will now be on recovery and regaining her fitness. The support of her club and national team will be crucial as she navigates this difficult period. Her determination and resilience will be tested, but she has demonstrated in the past her ability to overcome challenges and return stronger.
The situation serves as a stark reminder of the physical demands placed on professional footballers, particularly in the women’s game, which is experiencing rapid growth and increased intensity. Player welfare and injury prevention are becoming increasingly essential priorities for clubs and governing bodies.
As Ramírez begins the long road to recovery, the thoughts of fans and teammates alike will be with her. Her absence will be keenly felt on the pitch, but her spirit and determination will undoubtedly inspire those around her.
What’s Next: The Colombian national team will begin their CONMEBOL Women’s Nations Cup campaign on April 10th against Venezuela. Chelsea will continue their Women’s Super League season, hoping to maintain their position at the top of the table without their star forward.
What are your thoughts on Mayra Ramírez’s injury? Share your comments below and let us know how you think this will impact both Chelsea and the Colombian national team.
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