Are the US Women’s National Team stuck with a loaded weapon they can’t fire? Set to play a doubleheader against Brazil, Emma Hayes finally called up Trinity Rodman to her 23-player roster. While the excitement is at the zenith to finally see the Washington Spirit forward in action, doubts still loom over her ability to give her all for the American ladies due to injury. This only led Hayes to finally step up and address how she will ‘manage‘ her star player’s game time.

Sure, the daughter of Dennis Rodman has returned from the relapse of her back injury which she sustained a month post-Olympics. In fact, the 22-year-old has even featured in three NWSL games so far in some capacity. Yet, the latest admission from Trin has only led many to speculate whether she’s even ready to play. While questioning whether her “back will ever be 100 percent,” she even admitted to facing a mental challenge of not being the Trinity she was at the Summer Games.

This only led Hayes to finally address what has been going on around Rodman. “Well, first of all, I just want Trin to be Trin,” began the 48-year-old ahead of the opening clash at SoFi Stadium. “She brings so much lightness and energy to the group. We’ve really, really missed her, and I’ve probably told her that 50 times this week.”

After making it clear how much she missed her star forward, Hayes highlighted Trinity Rodman’s ability to bring a unique “individuality into the team setting,” also calling her an “absolute fierce competitor.” The former WSL boss empathized with the challenge the NWSL star has faced—watching the team from afar and being unable to make an impact. However, Hayes emphasized that the situation has improved since the SheBelieves Cup camp.

With the domestic season only just beginning for Rodman, it’s natural that she might still be finding her rhythm. “The best in the season and the best in the performances as a team don’t necessarily always come on the front end. So I think she’s getting back to her best. I don’t think she’s there yet. But I think she’s heading in the right direction,” emphasized Hayes.

Then again, the real question is how exactly will she make the most of Rodman’s presence. In other words, how much game time will the former Chelsea boss offer to the star No. 2? Well, the answer may offer a sigh of relief to all the player’s clubs. “Yeah, I mean look, I want to send all the players back to their club in a good place. So yeah, I will manage her and I won’t expose her too much too soon,” concluded Emma.

There you go—expect Rodman to play a limited role in both fixtures against Brazil. Then again, that’s not entirely the case; her presence is still crucial for one important reason.

Trinity Rodman urged to take leadership role despite injury

It’s a coincidence that Trin is returning to the USWNT roster to face the very same opponents she played against the last time she was with the national team. But another uncanny thought is the fact that she enters camp as the most seasoned forward in the attacking lineup.

Given how alone she is carrying the torch for the dynamic Triple Espresso trio, as both Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson remain sidelined for their own respective reasons, her 46 caps are more than the likes of Michelle Cooper (2), Ashley Hatch (22), Catarina Macario (21), Yazmeen Ryan (7), Ally Sentnor (5), and Alyssa Thompson (15).

This led USWNT veteran McCall Zerboni to suggest that the Washington Spirit forward should take up a leadership role and usher her teammates. “She’s been on this team a lot more than the roster that’s coming in right now—a very young roster. So now people are looking to her. She’ll have to teach them the lay of the land while she’s struggling with this injury,” said Zerboni while speaking on The Attacking Third.

Perhaps a piece of advice or even while making a short appearance on the pitch, one can expect Trinity Rodman to help her teammates as much as possible. Let’s see how that goes!