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Naomi Girma Set to Join Chelsea Squad for WSL Match
World record signing Naomi Girma is anticipated to make her debut for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League match against Brighton this Sunday.
The 24-year-old USA defender made headlines earlier this year when she transferred from San Diego Wave for a record fee of £900,000. However, her debut has been delayed due to a calf injury that sidelined her for some time.
Girma missed participating in the SheBelieves Cup matches this month for the United States but has made significant strides in her recovery with Chelsea during the recent international break.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor expressed optimism about Girma’s readiness, stating during a press briefing on Friday that she “should” be included in the squad for the upcoming match.
In addition to Girma’s anticipated return, Australian striker Sam Kerr continues her rehabilitation from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Bompastor shared that Kerr is currently “in a good place” and “progressing really well,” though she is not yet fit enough to rejoin the team.
“She is getting closer to her previous level, but it’s challenging to estimate a precise timeline for her return. Nonetheless, I’m pleased with her progress over the last two weeks,” added Bompastor.
Kerr, who hasn’t played since late 2023 due to her injury, was also recently acquitted of charges related to racially aggravated harassment, which adds another layer to her ongoing situation.
Currently, Chelsea holds a seven-point lead at the top of the WSL standings. The team is poised to compete in both a League Cup final and the Champions League quarter-final scheduled for March, underscoring the crucial role that both Girma and Kerr could play in the weeks ahead.
Source
www.bbc.com