Naomi Girma has been ruled out of the U.S. women's national team's two friendlies against world champion Spain because of a muscle injury, U.S. Soccer confirmed on Thursday, Oct. 1.
The federation said a replacement for the center back would be named at a later date.
Girma was named to the 26-player roster earlier this week, but suffered an injury in training with Chelsea.
"Naomi got a knock in training," Chelsea coach Sonia Bompastor said Wednesday, Sept. 30. "So I think she will be unavailable for maybe a few weeks."
The injury continues a frustrating start to the season for Girma, who has yet to play for Chelsea in the current league campaign. The 26-year-old was sidelined last month with injury, but was an unused sub for three consecutive games
before her latest setback.
Roster News: @ChelseaFCW defender Naomi Girma has been ruled out of the upcoming USWNT matches vs Spain due to a muscle injury. A roster replacement will be named at a later date. pic.twitter.com/Vne6q64jtj
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 1, 2026
Girma is normally a vital player for both club and country, wearing the captain's armband for the USWNT in two of her four appearances in 2026.
Overall, Girma has earned 54 caps with the USWNT, playing every minute at the 2023 World Cup and during the team's run to the gold medal at the 2024 Olympics.
Girma joined Chelsea from the San Diego Wave in January 2025, becoming the first women's player to be sold for over $1 million.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USWNT defender Naomi Girma ruled out of Spain friendlies with injury
