Naomi Girma was not part of Chelsea’s 5-0 WSL victory over Manchester United this weekend and could very well be unavailable for the next few matches as well.Girma missed the match due to a “small injury” Blues manager Sonya Bompastor confirmed in her postmatch press conference. The American defender featured in both of Chelsea’s UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying legs against Real Sociedad but was not on the bench on Saturday.There is no timetable for Girma’s return to action, but it is an early blow for her and Chelsea as the new season ramps up. “Naomi just picked up a small injury,” said Bompastor. “She maybe won’t be available for the next weeks. It’s unfortunate, but hopefully she’ll be back soon.”Girma joined the Blues from NWSL side San Diego Wave in January 2025 and made 26 appearances in her first 18 months in England. The 26-year-old helped Chelsea win the WSL title and FA Cup in 2025 before also capturing the Women’s League Cup crown last season. She has missed time over each of the past two seasons with respective injuries, forcing Girma to fight her way back into the mix. Girma will hope not to miss too much time, especially with the U.S. Women’s National Team set for a pair of October friendlies against Spain. Chelsea’s busy September schedule continues with a home league match against Birmingham City on September 19 before kicking off their UWCL schedule against Austria Vienna four days later.