Defending champion says he’s in better shape than ever ahead of Sunday’s 1500m heats

CHELSEA head coach Sonia Bompastor is hopeful Alyssa Thompson can make her Women’s Super League debut at Aston Villa on Sunday.
United States winger Thompson, signed last week from NWSL side Angel City, is waiting for WSL approval over a cast she currently wears to protect her left arm.
The 20-year-old has never revealed exactly why she wears the cast, but Bompastor is confident her new signing will be given the go-ahead in time to feature against Villa.
Bompastor said: “We are hoping for her to be able to play. We haven’t had confirmation yet, but we are hoping for her to be able to play in this game.
“My staff are trying to bring as much clarity as we can on the situation and they’ll be updating me as quick as they can about the cast.”
Bompastor confirmed Sam Kerr could make her first appearance in 20 months off the bench on Sunday having recovered from a serious knee injury.
The Australia striker was an unused substitute in last week’s opening-day win against Manchester City, while USA centre-back Naomi Girma is still out.
Tottenham boss Martin Ho hopes his side can build on a first WSL victory in nine months when they visit his former club Everton.
Ho experienced success in his debut fixture in charge with a 1-0 win over West Ham last Sunday, which marked the club’s first three points in the division since January.
Manchester United will bid to bounce back from their midweek Champions League qualifier defeat to Brann with victory at newly promoted London City.
Leicester play their first home league game of the season against Liverpool, who also conceded four goals on the opening day, losing 4-1 at home to Merseyside rivals Everton.

Defending champion says he’s in better shape than ever ahead of Sunday’s 1500m heats