Why is Naomi Girma not playing for USWNT vs. Spain today?

The U.S. women’s national team is facing the world’s top-ranked team without its best defender.

Naomi Girma was initially named to the 26-player roster for a pair of friendlies against Spain, but had to withdraw after suffering an injury in training with Chelsea.

Utah Royals defender Kate Del Fava was named to the roster as Girma’s replacement.

The USWNT could have used Girma’s ability to organize the back line in the first of the two matches against Spain, a 2-0 defeat on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Audi Field.

Spain scored twice in the first 15 minutes of the game, taking advantage of a slow start by the home side.

Girma has been instrumental for the USWNT since making her international breakthrough in April 2022. The defender quickly became a fixture on the back line due to her intelligent positioning, distribution and ability to read the game.

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Overall, Girma has earned 54 caps with the USWNT, playing every minute at the 2023 World Cup and during the team’s run to the gold medal at the 2024 Olympics.

After joining Chelsea from the San Diego Wave in January 2025, Girma has dealt with several calf injuries. The number of setbacks led USWNT coach (and former Chelsea coach) Emma Hayes to say last week that she and her staff are working on a new plan with Chelsea.

“This has happened too often and if we want her to be in a position to play games on a regular basis for club and country, I think we have to change some things,” Hayes told reporters.

She added: “We are working closely with Chelsea to think differently about creating the right solutions because the player suffers. And I know she’s absolutely devastated.”

Girma was sidelined last month with injury, but was an unused sub for three consecutive games before her latest setback.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why is Naomi Girma not playing for USWNT vs. Spain today?