There is a bittersweet atmosphere surrounding the 2025 SheBelieves Cup. With less than a week until the USWNT kicks off the 10th edition of this friendly tournament, fans are still feeling down about not being able to see their favorite stars in action, including Naomi Girma. An unfortunate injury was one of the main reasons the defender couldn’t make the roster. That only prompted a blunt response from Emma Hayes regarding her absence.

The English tactician couldn’t be more disappointed that the player she once called “one of the best defenders ever” is unavailable—especially for a tournament that marks her first time leading the USWNT on home soil. With Girma sustaining a calf injury at the end of the season, Hayes had no choice but to leave the 24-year-old out of the squad.

“Naomi picked up a calf injury prior to the January camp, she is still in the return to play protocol,” Hayes told BBC Sport during a media conference on Tuesday. Further addressing Girma’s absence from the 23-player squad, the USWNT manager was unsure about when exactly the defender would be ready to return to the pitch.

Instead, the 48-year-old rather passed the buck to her former domestic side. “It’s fair to say with not a lot of team training or games behind her she was not available for SheBelieves. When she is available to return, you will have to ask Chelsea,” added the former WSL boss. Clearly, Hayes is in the dark just like the rest of us as to when Girma will return to action.

Certainly, she had expected to reunite with the star defender. After all, the most expensive signing in women’s soccer has played a crucial role for the Americans, especially under Hayes. Girma was nothing less than a brick wall in the 2024 Paris Olympics, playing a key role in winning gold. Additionally, the following friendly matches saw the center-back deliver crucial performances.

Notably, it’s not just Girma who has been forced out of the SheBelieves Cup roster. Trinity Rodman is focused on regaining her fitness as she continues rehab for her back injury. Meanwhile, Mallory Swanson is unavailable due to personal commitments, and Sophia Smith has yet to reach full match fitness for the competition. Likewise, Rose Lavelle remains in recovery following ankle surgery.

No wonder such absences forced Emma to call up a strong team. After all, the 4x World Champions are bound to face tough competition from Japan, Australia, and Colombia in the tournament. Certainly, many would be eager to see how this roster performs under Hayes’ leadership. But from the looks of it, the ex-Chelsea boss is just as excited to see Girma play for her former side!

Emma Hayes hypes Chelsea fans ahead of Naomi Girma’s impending debut

It has been weeks since Naomi Girma arrived at Kingsmeadow for a whopping $1 million. However, the new signing is yet to play for the Blues as she continues to recuperate from her injury. As anticipation grows, Hayes has reassured her former club’s supporters that they will instantly admire Girma once they see her in action. She described the new arrival as an exceptionally humble person and leader.

Emma also praised the defender’s natural ability to read the game and make decisions under pressure. The former Women’s Super League coach stated that the USWNT superstar’s composure is beyond her years.

“She is a great team-mate, great communicator, she is growing in her development as a leader. All of these exceptional qualities have got her a move, she will have an unbelievable career at Chelsea and the fans will love her,” Hayes said.

Hearing these things makes the excitement of seeing the record transfer breaker signing go beyond control. But for now, all eyes remain on how quickly Naomi Girma can return to action.