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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Macario nearly back for Chelsea</li><li>Hayes dubs her as "new signing"</li><li>USWNT star posts "heading to training camp"</li></ul>

USWNT star Catarina Macario is nearly back! Chelsea boss Emma Hayes says return of Champions League winner ‘like a new signing’ after 18-month injury nightmare

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Speaking to the official <a href="https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/hayes-exclusive-how-can-you-not-be-excited-by-this-team" target="_blank">Chelsea website</a>, Hayes said that the USWNT star and Maika Hamano are both being treated like "new signings" for the new year after lengthy injury layoffs. Macario herself posted on social media platform Instagram that she is headed to "training camp" for the Blues this week, and now, fans are eagerly awaiting her return to the pitch.<picture><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt8b8b33a9221b229b/Image_20240104_112719_607.jpeg?format=webp" type="image/webp"><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt8b8b33a9221b229b/Image_20240104_112719_607.jpeg?format=jpg" type="image/jpeg"><img src="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt8b8b33a9221b229b/Image_20240104_112719_607.jpeg?format=jpg" alt="Catarina Macario Instagram fitness update" data-source="" data-copyright="Instagram" data-portal-copyright="Instagram" perform:prop="uuid:blt8b8b33a9221b229b;width:1170;height:2065"></picture>

WHAT HAPPENED?

"Cat and Maika are going to feel like new signings for us" Hayes said. "That’s why we built the squad like this. We knew there would be more games coming in the second half of the season."

WHAT HAYES SAID

Macario joined the Blues in 2022 after winning the UEFA Champions League with Lyon. However, in the final game of the season with the French giants, she tore her ACL, meaning she would not take the field with the Blues for quite some time. Now, after an astonishingly long 18 months, she's set to finally return to the pitch.It will be a brilliant homecoming of sorts for both parties, especially with the Paris Olympics on the horizon. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/emma-hayes-confirmed-new-uswnt-coach/blt1c650828651da11a" target="_blank">With Hayes joining the USWNT at the end of the WSL season</a>, it could be the perfect opportunity for Macario to convince her coach she deserves a nod on the roster.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The WSL season continues when the Blues take on Manchester United on January 21, but first up is a contest on Sunday, January 14 in the FA Cup against West Ham. It's unknown when Macario's exact return date is, but the Blues instantly gain a top attacker when it happens.

WHAT NEXT FOR MACARIO AND CHELSEA?

USWNT star Catarina Macario is nearly back! Chelsea boss Emma Hayes says return of Champions League winner ‘like a new signing’ after 18-month injury nightmare | Goal.com

USWNT star Catarina Macario is being treated like a &apos;new signing&apos; for Chelsea in 2024