US striker Mallory Swanson is set to miss the Women’s World Cup after tearing her patellar tendon in a friendly match against Ireland.
The defending champions intended to include Swanson in their plans for the Australian and New Zealand tournament in July and August.
However, the Chicago Red Stars forward was injured in Saturday’s 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in Austin. Shortly before the break, she was carried away on a stretcher after being hit and taken to the hospital.
Tests showed the extent of the injury and a statement from the team announced that Alyssa Thompson would take her place on the team on Tuesday in St. Louis, also against Ireland.
The statement added: “Swanson tore a patellar tendon in her left knee in yesterday’s match against Ireland. We are always with you, Mel.
Forward Alyssa Thompson will replace Mallory Swanson in the USWNT training camp ahead of Tuesday’s friendly in St. Louis.
Swanson tore the patella in her left knee in yesterday’s match against Ireland. We are always with you, Mel. pic.twitter.com/1pq3T5KUq6
— USA Women’s Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 9, 2023
Experts point out that it will take about six months for the torn patellar tendons to heal, and such a lack would mean that Swanson, with the 88th cap, was out of the game at the World Cup.
The 24-year-old was making her sixth start of the year for the USWNT when she sustained an injury, seven years after her international debut against the same opponent.
She scored seven goals in six games for the US this year and scored in six consecutive games before an injury ended her participation in Saturday’s game.