186 days. We repeat, it was after 186 days that Rose Lavelle finally saw some soccer action. Having left the pitch during last year’s USWNT match against the Netherlands on December 4 due to an ankle injury, the midfielder made her long-awaited return on June 7 for NJ/NY Gotham in her side’s unfortunate 1-2 loss to KC Current. Her comeback has only made ardent fans more eager to see her back in the national setup—something even Emma Hayes is looking forward to.

The 30-year-old entered the pitch during the 74th minute of the regular-season NWSL game. What’s more? Within just five minutes of her stepping on the pitch, she almost put her name on the scoresheet with a promising shot from outside the penalty area, which happened to go just wide. But then again, goals will come sooner or later. What’s important is that she has recovered well during her long absence. “I feel good, I feel really strong. I think it’s more just it will be a little bit for my ankle to be at 100%, but the rest of me is feeling good,” Lavelle said. That should sound like music to Emma Hayes’ ears.

“I very much hope that she will be with us in camp,” Hayes told journalist Jeff Kassouf during an exclusive chat on ESPN’s weekly women’s soccer studio show Futbol W. “She’s had, as she calls it, a very lengthy layoff. I don’t think Rose makes a really good injured player; she’s bored senseless,” added the 48-year-old.

Hayes insisted that Lavelle is not only looking forward to earning her starting place back in Gotham but is perhaps also eying making the USWNT squad. While congratulating the veteran on making her appearance over the weekend, the ex-WSL said, “We miss her experience and [we’re] very much looking forward to her coming back.”

Clearly, Hayes is missing Lavelle in her roster, hoping that the player will again grace the team with her presence. Well, why wouldn’t she? The former Seattle Reign star played a crucial role in the 2024 Paris Olympics, making an instant impact under the newly joined manager. Now, when Lavelle’s ankle will be 100% is something that only time will tell. In the meantime, as both Hayes and Lavelle decide on the midfielder’s return date to the national team, the English tactician has made a unique decision concerning her roster.

Emma Hayes speaks more than just about Rose Lavelle

As the USWNT continues its preparations for the 2027 World Cup, Emma Hayes has decided to take each step cautiously. For starters, ahead of the upcoming doubleheader clashes against the Republic of Ireland on June 26 in greater Denver, Colorado, and June 29 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the former Blues manager won’t be calling those players who have worked overtime with their club teams.

Specific indication goes to those who just ended their European calendar season. “This is the first opportunity—and the only one—for them to take a break between now and the World Cup in two years,” said Hayes in a similar conversation. “We don’t necessarily decide the international calendar, but this is one where we think it’s in the best interest of the players,” she added, stressing the importance of good rest and recovery.

Lindsey Heaps, Emily Fox, and Jenna Nighswonger are some of the names that may not be seen in the upcoming national camp later this month. However, Naomi Girma is an exception, as she has made a limited number of appearances for Chelsea since her million-dollar move in January. The vice-captain even marked her long-awaited return to the team during the recently held friendlies against China PR and Jamaica.

What are your expectations for the next international camp? Let us know in the comments.