women’s boss Emma Hayes has revealed she is recovering after having an emergency hysterectomy last week.
The hugely respected 45-year-old, who has been battling endometriosis, said in a statement she will ‘need time and patience to return to full health’.
Hayes’ assistants Denise Reddy and Paul Green are to oversee first-team affairs at the reigning Women’s Super League champions during her absence.
In a statement, Hayes said: ‘Last Tuesday I underwent an emergency hysterectomy following my ongoing battle with endometriosis. I’m now in recovery and will need time and patience to return to full health. I just want to say thank you to my amazing doctors, Dr Alex Laurence and Dr Sally Harris, for their outstanding care.
‘A huge thank you to our owners, the board and our HR director, Jo Stone, for the support they’ve shown and of course all of my family, staff and players.
‘Throughout my absence, Denise Reddy will be making the on-field decisions along with Paul Green who will be carrying out all press obligations on my behalf.
‘To our fans, you’ve had to listen to me bellowing from the other side of the pitch every week but now I want to hear you even louder because I’ll be sitting at home watching the team on the television until my return.
‘I know you’ll respect my health comes first and at this time I’ve got to prioritise what I need to do for me. I fully expect to make a full recovery and I look forward to seeing you in the foreseeable future.’
Hayes has been Chelsea manager since 2012 and has guided the club to a glut of trophies, which include five WSL titles and four FA Cups. They travel to play Everton in the league on Sunday afternoon.
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