HUGE SETBACK: Alex Morgan and Naomi Girma continue to face injury setbacks, with the latest update on their status coming from San Diego Wave manager Casey Stoney.
Morgan’s last game for the Wave was on April 19, playing for 84 minutes before sustaining an ankle injury. Girma played a full 90 minutes on April 28 but was absent from the latest match due to injury. Both, along with USWNT defender Abby Dahlkemper, won’t be available for the upcoming game on Wednesday.
Currently, Morgan, Dahlkemper, Girma, Sofia Jakobsson, and Melanie Barcenas are sidelined for the Wave. When asked if any of them are close to returning, Stoney replied negatively.
Girma’s fitness is crucial, especially considering the upcoming important events for the USWNT. She, along with Tierna Davidson, is currently out injured, which impacts the team’s defensive lineup. With Dahlkemper also sidelined, it leaves a gap in the center-back position for the US team.
The absence of Morgan, Dahlkemper, and Girma is a significant setback for the Wave. Despite finishing on top last season, they’ve only managed to secure seven points so far this season.
Their next match against the Utah Royals in NWSL play is on Wednesday, where they aim to recover from a recent defeat and secure their second win in three matches. The focus remains on the trio from the USWNT, as their absence might extend into the beginning of Emma Hayes’ tenure, including the June friendlies against Korea.
