Sam Coffey has been ruled out of the U.S. women's national team's two friendlies against world champion Spain because of an injury, U.S. Soccer confirmed on Monday, Oct. 5.
Gotham FC midfielder Jaelin Howell was called in to replace Coffey.
Coffey suffered the undisclosed injury during Manchester City's 4-2 win over Arsenal on Sunday, Oct. 4 in the Women's Super League.
The midfielder started the match for City and was substituted off in the 70th minute.
Though she didn't elaborate on the diagnosis, Coffey posted a series of photos on Instagram on Monday that included a picture of her left ankle in a boot. The 27-year-old did say she would "be back real soon."
Coffey joins Naomi Girma as key absentees for the Spain matches, with both players forced
to withdraw after initially being named to Emma Hayes' 26-player roster.
Girma was replaced on the roster by Utah Royals defender Kate Del Fava, who earned her first USMNT call-up amid a stellar campaign in the NWSL.
Howell, 26, has six career USWNT caps, most recently playing for the USWNT in a friendly against Italy in December 2025.
The USWNT will face Spain on Sunday, Oct. 10 at Audi Field in Washington D.C., and will then head north for a rematch at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania on Oct. 13.
USWNT roster vs. Spain (club; caps/goals)
Goalkeepers (3): Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 11), Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC; 0), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, ENG; 7)
Defenders (9): Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC; 70/3), Kate Del Fava (Utah Royals FC; 0/0), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 78/1), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 14/1), Lilly Reale (Boston Legacy FC; 9/0), Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit; 12/0), Evelyn Shores (Angel City FC; 0/0), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; 11/0), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC; 7/1)
Midfielders (6): Lindsey Heaps (Denver Summit FC; 178/40), Jaelin Howell (Gotham FC; 6/1), Claire Hutton (Bay FC; 20/1), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC; 122/29), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Stars; 103/38), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 20/1)
Forwards (8): Trinity Byars (San Diego Wave FC; 0/0), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current; 14/1), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 57/13), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 21/6), Ashley Sanchez (North Carolina Courage; 28/3), Pietra Tordin (Portland Thorns FC; 0/0), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC, ENG; 32/4), Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns FC; 63/25)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sam Coffey withdraws from USWNT roster vs. Spain with injury
