Naomi Girma has been named to the United States women's national team roster for the upcoming friendlies against Italy, marking her return from a calf injury. The defender had been sidelined since joining Chelsea at the start of the season but recently made her comeback, playing the first half of Chelsea's 6-0 Champions League win over St Pölten and the second half of their 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
Girma has not played for the US since a 3-0 victory over Canada on 2 July. Head coach Emma Hayes expressed her delight at Girma's return, highlighting her on-field quality and quiet leadership. “I’m just so happy she’s back,” Hayes said. “She made sure she called and texted me several times to say, ‘I’m fit. I’m coming.’”
The US will face Italy on 28 November at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando and on 1 December at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Hayes named 26 players to the camp roster, with 23 available for each match.
Trinity Rodman was omitted as she continues recovering from a knee injury, with Hayes noting that the forward is not yet ready for big-game minutes. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce is also absent after fracturing an eye socket playing for Manchester United. First-time call-ups include Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz and Chicago Stars forward Jameese Joseph, while Washington Spirit defender Kate Wiesner earns a second call-up.
