Catarina Macario suffers knee injury, will miss 2024 Paris Olympics

Chelsea and United States international Catarina Macario will miss the 2024 Paris Olympics with what's being called "knee irritation," head coach Emma Hayes announced.

Hayes announced Macario will not be part of the Olympics roster as she's unable to recover in time. Hayes also cited that after everything she's been through, tearing an ACL in May 2022, it's important that she returns to London and club Chelsea to recover.

Lynn Williams replaces Macario on the USWNT roster for Paris. Emily Sams takes Williams' spot as one of four alternates for the squad.

"Gutted to have to withdraw from the Olympic roster and not be able to represent Team USA. I will be supporting the team every step of the way and the girls are ready," Macario said in a social media post.

How does Macario's absence affect USWNT?

Losing Macario is a blow for USWNT this summer, especially for Hayes in her first major tournament as USWNT boss. The seven-time FA Women's Super League winner mentioned that her overall strategy with the squad won't change, but she'll have to rethink certain "permutations" of the squad. Hayes mentioned that she's already thought through it, but highlighted that she's devastated for Macario and that it's a great opportunity for someone else to step up.

How long will Catarina Macario be out for?

Macario will not be out for long, according to Hayes. The unfortunate aspect is that she won't recover in time. She returns to her club team Chelsea to receive treatment.

Macario notably tore an ACL with Lyon in May 2022. She missed the subsequent World Cup making her return with Chelsea earlier this year. She also played in the SheBelieves Cup for USWNT in April, her first appearance on the international state in two years.

USWNT Paris Olympics schedule

USA plays Zambia, Germany and Australia in Group B at the Olympics when the stage opens on July 25.