Naomi Girma will be in Chelsea's matchday squad for the first time this season in Saturday's game against London City Lionesses, head coach Sonia Bompastor has said.

Girma has yet to play for Chelsea this season due to a calf injury she suffered ahead of the season opener on Sept. 5.

"There is positive news because everyone has returned fit and healthy from the international break – and we also have Naomi back in the group," Bompastor said at a press conference Friday.

"Naomi is a top-class player and we want to have all of those players on the pitch. We want to enjoy watching them play and she's an important player for us. I'm hoping that she will now be able to stay on the pitch for as long as possible."

Girma was not included in Emma Hayes' U.S. women's national team roster for recent friendlies against Portugal and New Zealand.

The USWNT defender has only played sparingly since completing a then-record-breaking transfer to Chelsea from the San Diego Wave in January.

Girma was injured on her club debut in March, then returned in late April and went on to play six more times before the season ended.

Chelsea enters Saturday's match atop the WSL table with five wins and a draw from its opening six league matches.

This article originally appeared on Pro Soccer Wire: USWNT defender Girma set to make injury return for Chelsea

Reporting by Seth Vertelney, Pro Soccer Wire / Pro Soccer Wire

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