Naomi Girma’s highly anticipated debut for Chelsea was overshadowed by injury concerns as she was forced to exit the field just 59 minutes into the match. The 24-year-old defender, notable for being the first female player transferred for over one million US dollars, showed signs of distress, indicating an issue with her calf during an on-field assessment before being substituted shortly after.
In recent months, Girma has struggled with calf injuries, which previously led to her withdrawal from the SheBelieves Cup with the US national team. Her last competitive appearance was in December during a training camp, so her return was met with optimism. However, both fans and the coaching staff expected her to play for a longer duration than the time she managed.
After her departure, Girma remained with the club’s medical staff, overseeing her recovery from the sideline. Chelsea’s manager, Sonia Bompastor, was cautiously optimistic about the situation, stating they would reassess her condition in the coming days. She acknowledged that Girma is still acclimatising to the new league, the team dynamics, and her teammates, noting that debut matches can be particularly challenging.
Despite this setback, Chelsea maintains a commanding lead in the Women’s Super League, sitting 41 points clear at the top of the table, which positions them well for securing a sixth consecutive title. The team’s next match is against Leicester City at Kingsmeadow on March 6.