USWNT Defender Naomi Girma Makes Welcome Return
Naomi Girma has been named to the United States women's national team roster for their upcoming friendlies against Italy, marking her first international call-up since recovering from a calf injury. The Chelsea defender last featured for the USWNT in their 3-0 victory over Canada on 2 July.
Girma's Road to Recovery
The talented centre-back had been sidelined since the beginning of the season with her club side Chelsea, but has recently made a successful return to action. Girma featured in the first half of Chelsea's emphatic 6-0 Champions League victory over St. Pölten, followed by a second-half appearance in their 1-1 Women's Super League draw with Liverpool last weekend.
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes expressed her delight at Girma's return, highlighting the defender's importance to the squad. "I'm just so happy she's back," Hayes told reporters during a conference call. "I realise more and more the importance, not just of her qualities on the field, but her quiet leadership – not just in terms of leading the line, but off the field as well."
Hayes revealed that Girma had been particularly eager to confirm her fitness for selection, adding: "Before we had to put forward the provisional roster, she made sure she called and texted me several times to say, 'I'm fit. I'm coming.' Like, I don't know why she'd think we wouldn't bring her anyway if she's fit and healthy. But let me tell you, Naomi will be the first person in camp."
Upcoming Fixtures and Squad News
The United States will face Italy in their final two matches of the year, with the first encounter scheduled for 28 November at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, followed by a second meeting on 1 December at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Hayes has named 26 players to the camp roster, with 23 available for selection in each match. Notable absences include forward Trinity Rodman, who continues her recovery from a knee injury despite making a late substitute appearance for Washington Spirit in their NWSL semi-final victory.
"She was fortunate to get a few minutes the other day, but she's still working her way back," Hayes explained regarding Rodman's omission. "And the reality is, we felt together with an important camp and big-game minutes required, she's not in a position to do that."
Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce also misses out as she recovers from a fractured eye socket sustained while playing for Manchester United.
Among the inclusions, midfielder Croix Bethune returns to the national team setup for the first time since July, while two players receive their maiden call-ups: Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz and Chicago Stars forward Jameese Joseph. Washington Spirit defender Kate Wiesner earns her second call-up after previously serving as a training player.
The complete USWNT roster includes:
- Goalkeepers: Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC)
- Defenders: Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Naomi Girma (Chelsea), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Lilly Reale (Gotham), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave), Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit)
- Midfielders: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Lindsey Heaps (Lyon), Jaelin Howell (Gotham), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Rose Lavelle (Gotham), Lily Yohannes (Lyon)
- Forwards: Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars), Catarina Macario (Chelsea), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea)
