The U.S. women’s national team has already been forced into one roster change ahead of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Star forward Catarina Macario has been ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury, USWNT head coach Emma Hayes confirmed Friday. Veteran forward Lynn Williams has been elevated to the Olympic roster, taking Macario’s place for the upcoming trip to Paris, France.
Defender Emily Sams will assume Williams’ spot as one of the USWNT’s four alternates.
“She’s devastated,” Hayes said of Macario. “It’s not a long-term situation; [she’s] just not going to recover in time. I’m absolutely gutted for Cat. She’s someone who has worked hard within the last 12 months. She’s really put in a shift to get there but it’s not to be.”
Macario was dealing with irritation in her knee during training this week, Hayes confirmed ahead of the USWNT’s home friendly vs. Mexico on Saturday. The 23-year-old has dealt with one serious knee injury already in her career after tearing her ACL in May 2022.
Macario made her long-awaited club return for Chelsea earlier this year and also returned to the USWNT in April. She scored one goal and added one assist in 12 combined appearances for the Blues, working under Hayes during the WSL and UEFA W Champions League schedules.
The USWNT have been paired with Zambia, Germany and Australia for group stage play later this month.
