Chelsea midfielder Melanie Leupolz has announced she is pregnant and will not play again this season.
Germany international Melanie Leupolz has made seven appearances this season for Women’s Super League champions Chelsea but will only now take part in “light training” after revealing she is pregnant.
The 27-year-old signed for Chelsea from Bayern Munich in 2020. Chelsea are currently eight points behind WSL leaders Arsenal with three games in hand.
A Chelsea statement read: “This week, Chelsea Women’s midfielder Melanie Leupolz announced the happy news of her pregnancy to staff and team-mates at the club.
“Leupolz, who has been with the club for two years, will continue to be supported by the club’s medical staff in the coming months as she continues light training. However, she will not feature in fixtures for the rest of the season as she prepares for her new arrival.
“We look forward to welcoming Melanie back following her maternity leave and we are excited to welcome a new addition to the Blues family.”
Chelsea are currently eight points behind WSL leaders Arsenal with three games in hand. Chelsea’s next game is at West Ham on Thursday.