U.S. midfielder Catarina Macario's dreams of playing at her second Olympics are now over after failing to recover from a knee injury before the start of the 2024 Paris Games, head coach Emma Hayes announced during a media conference. 

Macario was named to the Olympic roster on June 26 but she will now be replaced by forward Lynn Williams, pending approval from the USOPC, IOC and FIFA, U.S. Soccer said in a news release. Williams was initially listed as one of four alternates Hayes called up to the roster. 

Hayes, who coached Macario during her time with Chelsea, said the 24-year-old has been battling a minor irritation in her right knee in the lead-up to the Games but won't recover in time.

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

With Macario out of the squad now, Hayes said the U.S. will still approach the Olympics in the same manner since she first took charge. 

"I always viewed it as 22 players, absolutely nothing changes," Hayes said. "Without Cat, I have to think about some different permutations of the team."

Macario has scored eight goals and provided three assists in 19 appearances with the national team. 

Hayes added that Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams has been called up to replace Williams' spot as an alternate. 

The U.S. women's team will play two friendly matches against Mexico and Costa Rica before the team heads to France. The U.S. was drawn into Group B at the Olympic Games with Germany, Australia and Zambia. The team will play its first game on July 25 against Zambia, one day before the Opening Ceremony.