USWNT defender Naomi Girma is “absolutely devastated” to miss camp with a recurring calf injury, a blow that hits hard as head coach Emma Hayes prepares the squad for two brutal matches against No. 1 ranked Spain, the defending World Cup champions. Hayes made it crystal clear Tuesday in Fayetteville, Ga., that her team isn’t ducking any challenges ahead of the 2027 World Cup, even with key players sidelined. She wants the hardest competition out there, saying, “We’re not choosing easy. We want these games, this preparation. We welcome it. It brings the best out of us.”
The Injury Bug Is Already Biting Hayes’ Squad
Girma’s calf injury, sustained during a training session with her club team, Chelsea, is a recurring nightmare for her. It’s gotten so bad that the USWNT and Chelsea are actually talking about how to keep her on the field. Girma last suited up for the USWNT on April 17, when she even scored in a 3-0 win over Japan. But there’s no timeline for her return right now. Utah Royals defender Kate Del Fava has already stepped in to take her spot on the roster. And it’s not just Girma. Midfielder Sam Coffey is also out with a recurring ankle injury, which she picked up in Manchester City’s 4-2 victory over Arsenal on Sunday. Gotham FC’s Jaelin Howell is replacing Coffey, and again, no timeline on when we’ll see her back. Hayes didn’t mince words, those absences just scream one thing: we need a deeper player pool. “I haven’t for one minute ever had the best available squad available,” Hayes said. “You’re never going to. That’s the reality of it.” She knows a World Cup squad is always evolving, so developing that pool is absolutely critical.
Spain Is A World Cup Rehearsal, No Rookie Debuts Allowed
These matches against Spain are no joke; Hayes specifically sought them out to prep the team for knockout competition, and having two games lets the Americans make crucial adjustments. Spain’s cohesion, built over years in a shared system, demands incredible tactical discipline from Hayes’ squad. She warned, “You press in the wrong moments, they pop the ball around you and create chances.” Newcomers and players like Ashley Sanchez, who hasn’t played for the USA in two years, shouldn’t expect to start against Spain. Hayes stressed that truly understanding the USWNT’s tactics takes time, even for players with individual skill. “You’re not going to pick all of those things up in three sessions,” she explained. Some players might see action off the bench if they show enough progress in training, but don’t expect a ton of experimentation or uncapped players making their debut in this two-match window. The goal is the World Cup, and Hayes summed it up perfectly, “the last thing you want is going to a World Cup and facing some of these teams for the first time.”
So, what’s next? The USWNT has to tackle the reigning world champions, Spain, in two incredibly tough games this Saturday and Tuesday. With key players hurt, it’s a huge test for Hayes’ vision and the depth of the squad, especially with the Concacaf W Championship coming up in November. It’s all about getting ready for that 2027 World Cup, and you know they’re also working closely with the U23 team to keep that player pipeline strong. These matches are gonna be intense, and we’ll be watching every minute!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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