Chelsea manager Sonya Bompastor will not have the services of U.S. women’s national team defender Naomi Girma for this weekend’s FA Cup semifinal tie.
Girma has been ruled out of contention for the Blues’ showdown with Manchester City on Sunday due to a lingering calf injury. The American centerback has not featured for Chelsea since April 6 after suffering her calf issue following the USWNT’s trio of April friendlies against Japan.
“Naomi won’t be available for the weekend. She had a setback in her calf, so she’s not available,” Bompastor said in her prematch press conference Thursday.
The 25-year-old Girma moved to Chelsea in January 2025 and helped the Blues complete a domestic treble last Spring (WSL, League Cup, FA Cup). She made eight appearances during the tail-end of last season before making an additional 18 appearances across all competitions this campaign.
Girma scored Chelsea’s winning goal in a 2-1 Round of 16 extra time victory over Manchester United in February before also finding the back of the net in the Blues’ 4-3 league win over Aston Villa on March 29.
Chelsea, who has won its last five matches in all competitions, will take on the recently crowned WSL champion Citizens on Sunday before closing its league schedule against Man United six days later.
Should Girma not return for Chelsea this season, her next available opportunity may come with the USWNT in June when Emma Hayes’ squad face Brazil twice on the road in friendly action.