Girma returns to the USWNT; Rodman out due to injury for friendlies vs. Italy

Naomi Girma Returns to the U.S. Women’s National Team

Defender Naomi Girma is back in the United States women’s national team (USWNT) after nearly five months of absence. Her return comes for two friendlies against Italy, marking an important milestone for the team. Coach Emma Hayes announced the 26-player roster on Wednesday, including two first-time call-ups and several returning players. However, forward Trinity Rodman was not included, as she is recovering from a knee injury.

“Trinity and I have been talking every week to see the progress of her situation,” Hayes commented on Rodman. “She was lucky enough to play a few minutes the other day, but she is still recovering. The reality is that, together, we feel that with a major camp and with important playing minutes required, she is not in a position to do so.”

Emma Hayes

Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who suffered a fractured eye socket, is also absent from the call-up. Girma, for her part, has had to deal with several calf injuries since joining Chelsea in January. Her return to the USWNT is a big boost, as Hayes considers her “the best defender I’ve seen”. The matches against Italy will be played on November 28 at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida, and on December 1 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Midfielder Croix Bethune and goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz join the team, along with forward Jameese Joseph. Hayes has been experimenting with players in search of solutions for the 2027 World Cup, which has led to mixed results, including defeats against Japan and Portugal. Coach Hayes emphasized the importance of these matches against Italy, considering them a crucial test for the team. “These matches against top European teams are very valuable, as they give us an honest assessment of where we are in our growth as a team,” she stated. Midfielder Jaelin Howell and defender Kate Wiesner also return to the team, after outstanding performances at their respective clubs. The matches against Italy will be the last of the year before the USWNT meets for its annual January camp.

“I think Italy are at the top echelon of teams in Europe. I would consider them of the same quality as England and Spain. This is going to be a very tough test for us and one where we will be challenged, especially tactically,” said Hayes.

Emma Hayes

USWNT Roster by Position (club; caps/goals):

• Goalkeepers (3): Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 4), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals; 4), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; 0)

• Defenders (10): Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; 4/0), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 69/1), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC, ENG: 48/2), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 8/1), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; 4/0), Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current; 1/1), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride; 6/0), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC; 112/2), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave; 1/0), Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit; 0/0)

• Midfielders (7): Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit; 4/0), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 41/5), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 167/38), Jaelin Howell (Gotham FC; 5/1), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; 9/1), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC; 115/26), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 11/1)

• Forwards (6): Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars; 0/0), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG; 27/13), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 10/4), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville; 11/4), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC; 29/8), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC, ENG; 24/3)