CHELSEA and Manchester City women will be permitted to make FIVE substitutes in the Community Shield on August 29.

The rule, which will also allow the clubs to name nine players on the bench, will also apply for the start of the Women’s Super League and Championship next season.

The board of both divisions approved the decision on Tuesday having closely consulted with all 23 clubs in the top two tiers of women’s football.

SunSport understands that clubs were concerned over player burn-out and injuries given that they have not completed any competitive club fixtures since February.

Women’s football has been on standby since the League Cup final on 29 February due to the coronavirus crisis.

This year's Women's Community Shield is the first since 2008.

And it is part of the first ever double-header of women's and men's showpiece matches at the national stadium.

Chelsea were crowned champions of the top-flight this term after the final table was determined by points-per-game.

And they will face off with last year's FA Cup holders, Manchester City, as the 2020 edition is set to be concluded on October 31.

However, WSL fans will get their first taste of competitive action with Arsenal facing off against Paris Saint-Germain this Saturday in the quarter-final of the Women's Champions League.

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