Defender Naomi Girma was named to the U.S. roster on Wednesday for a pair of upcoming matches against Italy after returning from a calf injury.

Girma had been sidelined since the start of the season with Chelsea but recently returned to the starting lineup. She has not played for the U.S. since a 3-0 victory over Canada on July 2.

“I’m just so happy she’s back. I realize more and more the importance, not just of her qualities on the field, but her quiet leadership — not just in terms of leading the line, but off the field as well,” coach Emma Hayes said in a conference call with reporters. “Before we had to put forward the provisional roster, she made sure she called and texted me several times to say, ‘I’m fit. I’m coming.’ Like, I don’t know why she’d think we wouldn’t bring her anyway

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