Chelsea defender Naomi Girma has earned a recall to the United States women's national team following her successful return from injury. The talented centre-back has been named in Emma Hayes' 26-player squad for two upcoming friendlies against Italy later this month.
Injury Comeback and Recent Form
Girma last featured for the USWNT during their 3-0 victory over Canada on 2 July, before being sidelined with a calf injury at the start of Chelsea's season. Her recent return to action has been carefully managed, with the defender playing the first half of Chelsea's emphatic 6-0 Champions League victory over St. Pölten before appearing in the second half of their 1-1 draw with Liverpool in the Women's Super League.
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes expressed her delight at Girma's recovery, highlighting the player's importance beyond her defensive qualities. "I'm just so happy she's back," Hayes told reporters. "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."
Upcoming Friendlies and Squad Details
The United States will conclude their 2024 campaign with two matches against Italy, scheduled for 28 November at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando and 1 December at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Hayes has selected 26 players for the training camp, with 23 available for selection in each match.
Hayes revealed Girma's determination to secure her place, noting: "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."
Notable Absences and New Faces
The squad sees several significant changes, with forward Trinity Rodman omitted as she continues her recovery from a knee injury. Despite appearing as a late substitute in Washington Spirit's 2-0 semi-final victory over Portland Thorns, Hayes explained that Rodman needs more time to regain full fitness.
"She was fortunate to get a few minutes the other day, but she's still working her way back," Hayes said. "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. We hope that can happen in the new year."
Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce also misses out while recovering from a fractured eye socket sustained during a Manchester United match.
Among the new inclusions, two players receive their first senior 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 full USWNT roster includes:
- Goalkeepers: Claudia Dickey, Mandy McGlynn, Jordan Silkowitz
- Defenders: Jordyn Bugg, Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Avery Patterson, Lilly Reale, Izzy Rodriguez, Emily Sams, Emily Sonnett, Kennedy Wesley, Kate Wiesner
- Midfielders: Croix Bethune, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Heaps, Jaelin Howell, Claire Hutton, Rose Lavelle, Lily Yohannes
- Forwards: Jameese Joseph, Catarina Macario, Olivia Moultrie, Emma Sears, Jaedyn Shaw, Alyssa Thompson
