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Photo credit: Imagn/Syndication: The Tennessean
United States women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes provided multiple injury updates on her team during Tuesday’s MD-1 press conference ahead of Wednesday’s SheBelieves Cup clash against Canada — Hayes announced that Trinity Rodman was “fine and training,” while Lilly Reale suffered a foot injury and left camp.
Rodman, the recently re-signed Washington Spirit forward, was fully cleared and participated in training after a scary-looking collision during Sunday’s match against Argentina. The incident sparked concern as Rodman appeared to clutch at her back, an injury that sidelined her for much of 2025. She was treated on the field by team staff, ultimately walked to the sideline under her own power, but did not return to the pitch for the final minutes of the match. Hayes was initially unable to provide an update on Rodman’s condition after the match, saying she had not yet seen Rodman or spoken to her staff.
Meanwhile, another defender departed the U.S. camp as Hayes said that Reale sustained a foot injury during the win over Argentina and returned to her National Women’s Soccer League club, NJ/NY Gotham FC. Reale started Sunday’s contest but was subbed out in the 62nd minute, replaced by Rodman. The defender will not be replaced as tournament rules dictate players can’t be replaced once the competition has begun.
Reale is the third defender to depart the SheBelieves Cup squad so far this year. First, Spirit defender Kate Wiesner left due to a “minor calf issue” and was replaced by Houston Dash defender Avery Patterson. Then, Seattle Reign defender Jordyn Bugg departed due to a “hamstring issue,” and Angel City defender Emily Sams filled her spot. Both Wiesner and Bugg could be replaced because the competition had not yet started.
The U.S. will next face a tough test against perennial rivals Canada at 6:45 ET on March 4 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio. Canada opened SheBelieves Cup play with a convincing 4-1 win over Colombia that snapped a five-month scoreless and five-game winless streak.
