Mallory Swanson is back! USWNT interim boss Twila Kilgore explains forward's return as 'training player' ahead of Gold Cup

That roster is the first chosen by Kilgore alongside current Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, who takes over the reigns in the summer. Swanson was one of the notable inclusions on the 23-player list as she makes her USWNT return for the first time since tearing her patellar tendon in April 2023. And Kilgore noted that she would be reintegrated slowly, labelling her a "training player" for the time being.

The interim USWNT boss said in Wednesday's press conference: "Mal will come in and be Mal. We're thrilled to have her back in the camp environment. She's going to be a training player with us and we know that in anything that Mal's doing, she brings a really high level of professionalism and high level of execution. We believe she's absolutely ready for the step and she's just a really important leader in this team. She's stayed connected and involved in different ways while going through her recovery and this is just the next natural progression. Her influence is always felt in camp so we expect that she'll just continue to help raise the standards on the field and within our teen culture."

25-year-old Swanson makes the cut but a selection of veteran stars were omitted. 215-cap Alex Morgan was snubbed once again amid her international decline, while Becky Sauerbrunn was also left out despite her not taking part in the USWNT's 2023 World Cup embarrassment. Kristie Mewis and Andi Sullivan were also deemed surplus to requirements, as well as Ashley Sanchez, Kelley O’Hara and Sofia Huerta.

Despite almost 10 months away from the international set-up, Swanson has still made a staggering 61 appearances for the USWNT. In that time she has provided an impressive 22 goals and 13 assists.

The first official tournament since a group stage exit in Australia and New Zealand awaits. The Gold Cup takes place from February 17-March 10, with the USWNT's first clash coming on February 21.