Sky Blue FC midfielder Carli Lloyd will not travel with the team to Utah to compete in the NWSL Challenge Cup after injuring her left knee.
Lloyd — a U.S. women’s national team co-captain — has been doing rehabilitation work since the offseason and previously hoped to be fully recovered in time for the tournament.
“I have unfortunately picked up an injury while I was at home training,” Lloyd said. “I was optimistic about being able to return in time for the NWSL Challenge Cup, but my injury is going to require more time to recover. I am disappointed I will not be able to compete with my teammates, but I will be cheering them on! The NWSL Challenge Cup is going to be an exciting tournament and will allow all players to play games this season. I look forward to continuing my recovery, and I am excited to get back on the field when I am ready.”
Lloyd and her club stated in a news release they are eager to see other players from the team’s young core — such as new signees Midge Purce and Mallory Pugh — step up during Lloyd’s absence.
Although Lloyd missed a big portion of the 2019 season while helping the U.S. women’s national team earn a World Cup victory in France, she scored eight goals and added an assist during 14 appearances for Sky Blue.
“One thing we do know about Carli is that if she was physically able to get on the pitch, there’s nothing that would hold her back,” general manager Alyse LaHue said. “This setback will require more time than we had hoped, but we are here to support her swift and safe return to playing again.”
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