USWNT has entered into a promising era, with glimpses of its champion age. After facing a lot of criticism for last year’s World Cup debacle, they’ve come to make an astounding statement in this year’s Olympics. But, one of its strengths over the years has been its young pool of players, and Tierna Davidson is one of them. The 25-year-old player has come into the competition with the same intensity she is known for, making a strong forte with Naomi Girma against attacking teams. However, as the Stars and Stripes take on Australia in the final game of the group stages tomorrow, the latest update may not be so promising for the USWNT enthusiasts.

According to the Athletic journalist Meg Linehan, the defender will remain sidelined against the Matildas. Reports suggested she picked up a knee contusion injury against Germany, and Emma Hayes seems unwilling to take any chances with her key players. Huge wins against Germany and Zambia will give them enough cushion against Australia.

But, with the team expected to win Group B, they will take on either Spain or most probably Japan in the quarterfinals. Thus, the USA would need the Gotham FC athlete to negate their former foes, who already played a spoilsport in the 2011 World Cup.

On the other hand, the USWNT coach’s recent statement suggests that she may also have some swelling. Hayes stated, “She got hit in her leg. Knee-on-knee situations can create a bit of swelling so that swelling will keep her out of this game.” Meanwhile, Davidson was taken out in the latter stages of the first half. Colliding with Germany’s Jule Brand in the 40th minute, she could not carry on for any more time. Earlier, despite her meticulous performance, she saw one ball go past her in the 22nd minute resulting in the USA conceding their first goal under Hayes. But more importantly, Davidson’s availability for the subsequent games could be a concern.

Who will replace Tierna Davidson in USWNT XI?

It appears that Emma Hayes has very few, but good options to replace the California-born against Australia. Another star defender Emily Sonnett who was a part of USWNT’s successful campaigns at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and the 2019 World Cup has already proved her mettle in the last game. After coming in, Sonnett’s experience played a part in Hayes’ back wall to keep the Germans away from their goal. She will be expected to repeat the same effort against Australia as things could get unpredictable.

The pressure of the Olympics could start to kick in for USWNT. Striker Jaedyn Shaw is still out of the team due to her leg injury and hasn’t featured in either of the two games. While only 18 members are allowed on the Olympic roster including two goalkeepers, the team will hope to overcome Australia without any injuries and expect Davidson to be back in the quarterfinal.