Chelsea women’s boss Emma Hayes reveals she has undergone an emergency hysterectomy

Emma Hayes will take a step away from managing Chelsea Women as she recovers from emergency hysterectomy surgery.

In a statement released on Thursday, Hayes revealed she underwent surgery last week as part of her ongoing battle with endometriosis.

Hayes ‘needs time and patience’ in her recovery and she has confirmed that Denise Reddy will make on-field decisions in her absence, assisted by Paul Green. 

‘I’m now in recovery and will need time and patience to return to full health,’ her statement read.

‘I just want to say thank you also 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.’

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as in the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

‘I know you’ll respect that my health comes first and at this time I’ve got to prioritise what I need to do for me,’ she added. 

‘I fully expect to make a full recovery and I look forward to seeing you in the foreseeable future.’ 

The 45-year-old has delivered a decade of success in south west London having taken charge of Chelsea back in 2012. 

She is a five-time Women’s Super League Manager of the Year winner.  

Chelsea currently sit fourth in the WSL after three matches, with two wins against Manchester City and West Ham so far. 

Losing Hayes from the touchline comes as a seismic blow but she is convinced that the quality of the squad will keep the season on track for success.

‘The team are very special,’ she continued, ‘and we have no doubt they’ll do everything to maintain their high standards.

‘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 until my return.’ 

Reddy, 52, is a trusted sidekick of Hayes and has been part of her set-up at Chelsea since the 2020-21 season.

Prior to that the American worked as Hayes’ assistant at National Women’s Soccer League side Chicago Red Stars from 2008 to 2010. 

Green has been part of the furniture at Chelsea since 2013 after he joined from  fellow WSL side Doncaster Rovers Belles.