Life hasn’t been fair to Catarina Macario lately. The past few months have been challenging for the Chelsea midfielder as even after making it onto Emma Hayes’ competitive Paris Olympics roster, she was unfortunately dropped at the eleventh hour due to an injury. While it has also been some time since she played domestically, Hayes has emphasized the importance of getting Macario some minutes ‘on a regular basis.’

Aside from missing the Summer Games action, the 23-year-old midfielder has made just 2 appearances for the Blues, playing little than just 50 minutes in the WSL while notching a goal and an assist. While injuries are sure to play a part in her absence, Hayes wants to see Macario play every week for Chelsea in order to cement her place back in the USWNT squad.

“We need Cat playing week in, week out on a regular basis. She doesn’t have body of games behind her in last 30 months and it’s so so important to get that right,” said the American ladies’ boss, as compiled by USA Today columnist Nancy Armour. The former WSL manager wants Macario to earn her much-deserved spot in the Stars and Stripes ft. ladies roster.

It’s a no-brainer why Hayes rates so highly of Macario. Having spent 12 years at the London-based club, the 47-year-old knows the player’s quality. However, it’s a sad reality that she hasn’t been able to keep up her impeccable form as Macario has experienced a string of bad luck with injuries lately.

After suffering an ACL injury in June 2022 that kept her sidelined for nearly two years, she only returned to play in March. Unfortunately, the forward had to miss the Olympics this summer because of knee irritation. She was replaced by forward Lynn Williams, who was earlier in the additional four alternatives group. Taking Williams’ place was Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams.

As a result, she was unable to compete for a gold medal, which the USWNT won by defeating Brazil in the final. However, the 4x World Champions have already begun the preparations for the next edition of the World Cup and Olympics, forcing Hayes to send this message to Macario. Speaking of which, let’s hear what her domestic coach has to say about the midfielder.

Emma Hayes’ Chelsea successor Sonia Bompastor issues an update on Catarina Macario

Following a 3-2 victory over Real Madrid last Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League group stage, Chelsea women are now gearing up to face Dutch side Twente. While Catarina Macario has again been left out of the squad, Sonia Bompastor noted in her pre-match press conference that her absence on Wednesday was due to the need for a gradual return to full fitness. “We are building some minutes and building her fitness,” the Chelsea boss said.

“That’s part of the plan and part of her own process. We work a lot individually with every player and we try to give them what they need to be fit and back to the best level, or their best version. We just felt it was the good decision to have her stay in London, working individually with some staff, and she will be ready for the game on Sunday,” concluded Bompastor, giving a reassuring update.

It remains to be seen whether Catarina Macario plays for Chelsea this weekend. In the meantime, she may adhere to Emma Hayes’ advice in order to make the cut in the USWNT squad.