The central defenders both missed the FA Cup win at Aston Villa on Sunday. Bright has been out since picking up a knee injury away to Lyon last month, while it was during the recent international window that Buchanan sustained a knock.

Hayes confirmed the news at a media conference held at Stamford Bridge on the eve of Barcelona’s visit.

‘No Millie Bright,’ reported Hayes.

‘She’s had a cleanout in her knee. She had bony cartilage lesion that needed cleaning out. Millie will be out for weeks. I can’t say how many, but she won’t be available.

‘Kadeisha is out for this game,’ added Hayes.

Hayes was asked if Pernille Harder was fit to play. The Dane was an unused sub at Aston Villa having last played competitively in November.

‘She’s ready but we have to respect she hasn’t played for many months, but she is ready.’

Focusing on the challenge that awaits, Hayes explained what she wants and expects to see from her team

‘It will be tough. We have to execute at both ends of the pitch to have the best possible chance, but it’s a football match. There are two teams competing to win. We have the advantage of being at home tomorrow, but we have as much possibility as we’ve ever had qualifying for a final. My message to the players is to give everything you can to do that, knowing a final is at stake.

‘We’re a team that is used to struggling. We know how to suffer. We are going to have to do that for a lot of the game, but trust me, we have a dressing room that are motivated and ready to perform.

‘We respect Barcelona,’ added Hayes.

‘They play the best football in Europe, this is clear. We will get chances, as will they. We have to convert them.

‘For 90 minutes the whole team has to defend to an unbelievable level. Barcelona average 20 chances a game. We understand the opponent we are facing. We have prepared exactly the way we want, we know how we want to create the situations that matter for us. We have to be perfect with everything we do, but we’re excited.’

• Click for tickets to tomorrow's big game