USWNT center back Naomi Girma makes Chelsea return from injury layoff following San Diego Wave transfer

Naomi Girma made just her second appearance for Chelsea since moving from NWSL's San Diego Wave, playing the final 10 minutes of the Blues' Champions League clash with Barcelona. The USWNT star managed 10 minutes in her return, but it didn't help Chelsea's chances as the Spanish side scored twice after she entered the fray to round off a 4-1 win in the first leg of their semifinal.

Girma has struggled for fitness since moving to London. She was plagued by calf issues when Chelsea signed her for a record $1.1 million in late January, and has seldom seen the pitch since. Her only previous showing was a tidy hour in a 2-2 draw with Brighton on March 2.

Girma's move to Chelsea was the most expensive transfer in women's soccer history, the WSL side becoming the first ever club to play over $1 million for a women's player.

The showing would seem to set the table for further appearances for the center back. Chelsea's next game is a WSL fixture with Crystal Palace on April 23.