Naomi Girma Injury Rules Her Out for USWNT’s Spain Series as Chelsea and U.S. Soccer Adjust Plan

Girma out again ahead of Spain friendlies

ATLANTA, GA — The United States will face Spain twice this month without Naomi Girma, after the center back withdrew from the USWNT camp with another injury setback. The matches are set for October 10 and October 13, and Girma will not be available for either game.

Girma’s absence is a major blow for the U.S. because she is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the women’s game. The timing is especially difficult with the U.S. using these games to sharpen up for the run toward the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Recurring calf problem keeps interrupting her Chelsea season

Girma picked up what Chelsea described as a knock in training, but U.S. coach Emma Hayes said the issue is a recurrence of the calf injury that has followed the 26-year-old since her move to London.

Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor said Girma could be sidelined for a few weeks. That would put her in doubt for upcoming Women’s Super League matches against Tottenham and Crystal Palace, along with Chelsea’s UEFA Women’s Champions League meeting with Roma later in October.

USWNT and Chelsea are looking for a better fitness plan

Hayes said U.S. Soccer is working with Chelsea on a revised approach to Girma’s workload and recovery. She said the problem has come up too many times and that the player’s long-term availability has to be handled differently.

Hayes spoke at the U.S. Soccer training center in Atlanta and stressed that Girma is frustrated by the situation. She added that the defender has worked hard to get back to full fitness and does not want to keep missing matches for club or country.

Limited minutes since record move from San Diego Wave

Since joining Chelsea in early 2025 on a record transfer from San Diego Wave, Girma has been limited to 15 Women’s Super League appearances and six more in continental competition. In total, she has made 21 appearances for the Blues and played 1,403 minutes.

That lack of continuity has also affected the USWNT. Girma has played only eight times for the United States since moving to England, and just twice in 2026.

Why her health matters so much for the USWNT

Girma is a cornerstone of the American defense, so every missed camp affects how Hayes can build chemistry ahead of major tournaments. The U.S. has leaned on her composure, positioning and recovery speed whenever she is available.

With Spain looming as one of the strongest opponents on the calendar, the Americans will now have to test their back line without their most reliable organizer. Hayes said the goal is to create the right solution so Girma can play more regularly for both club and country.

What comes next for Girma and the Blues

The immediate focus will be whether Girma can recover in time to rejoin Chelsea later in the month. For now, both Chelsea and U.S. Soccer appear committed to easing the load rather than pushing her back too quickly.

That approach reflects how important Girma has become on both sides of the Atlantic. Her next steps could shape not only Chelsea’s autumn schedule, but also how the USWNT manages one of its most important players over the coming year.