Despite the optimism over their World Cup title defence in Australia and New Zealand in 2023 the U.S. women's national soccer team could be forced to defend their crown without one of their key players, forward Mallory Swanson.
Swanson has established herself as a popular and impactful members of the squad with 32 goals in 88 international games since her debut back in 2016. She's also the team's leading scorer so far in 2023.
However, the Chicago Red Stars attacker suffered a serious knee injury in the USWNT's 2-0 friendly win over the Republic of Ireland on April 8 and the 24-year-old could now miss out on the 2023 World Cup tournament.
The initial prognosis does not look positive for Swanson with further updates expected in the coming days with just over three months until the World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand.
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How long is Mallory Swanson out?
Swanson was immediately carted off during the clash with Ireland and sent to the hospital for tests to assess the damage to her left knee.
U.S. Soccer announced a day later that Swanson had suffered a torn patella tendon, which will leave her sidelined for an extended period of time. She looks almost certain to miss the 2023 Women's World Cup, with the estimated recovery period set at six months.
Forward Alyssa Thompson will replace Mallory Swanson on the USWNT training camp roster ahead of Tuesday's friendly in St. Louis.
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 9, 2023
Swanson tore the patella tendon in her left knee in yesterday's match against Ireland. We're with you all the way, Mal. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/1pq3T5KUq6
Recovery time for a fully torn patella tendon typically requires at least six months of recovery, and sometimes can see a professional athlete sidelined for a year or more. It is considered alongside a torn ACL as one of the most damaging knee injuries one can suffer.
Alyssa Thompson was called up as a roster replacement for Swanson for the second clash with the Irish, on April 11 in St. Louis, with Colorado native Swanson now set to return to Chicago to begin her rehabilitation. In the hours leading up to that match, Swanson confirmed on social media that she underwent successful surgery.
Will Mallory Swanson miss the 2023 World Cup?
If the early indications are confirmed in the coming days, Swanson will likely see her World Cup dreams ended, with an accelerated recovery only likely to be completed by August.
However, U.S. Soccer has not specifically announced that Swanson will miss the FIFA tournament this summer, leading to some curiosity as to the extent of her injury.
When head coach Vlatko Andonovski was asked to clarify the official diagnosis at a press conference on April 10, the U.S. Soccer press officer Aaron Heifetz stepped in before the coach could answer, saying they were sticking with "torn patella tendon" and indicating that Swanson would reveal any details on her own if she desired.
Heifetz did confirm that Swanson had not yet had surgery to repair the injury, although Swanson then confirmed the following day on Instagram that her surgery was completed. If Swanson's tear of her patella tendon is a full tear, she will most certainly remain sidelined for a significant amount of time. Her only hope of reaching the 2023 Women's World Cup would be if her tear is only partial, and even then it would be a race against time.
Swanson played in the 2019 World Cup in France, where she was the second-youngest player on the U.S. team at the age of 21. She went by her maiden name during that tournament, Mallory Pugh, and she made three appearances, all in the group stage.
The footballing world has since expressed both frustration over Swanson's injury as well as support in her recovery process.
We're always with you, @MalPugh 💙 pic.twitter.com/nuomrsJNNa
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 8, 2023
Mallory Swanson!!!! 😞🙏🏽💔
— Jessica McDonald (@J_Mac1422) April 8, 2023
Mallory Swanson was carted off in the first half with a left knee injury.
— Just Women’s Sports (@justwsports) April 8, 2023
Get well soon @MalPugh 🙏 pic.twitter.com/9JSIsd3sAU
Mallory Swanson has been inevitable, a force, she’s been HER. Hoping and praying she’s okay and healthy, especially for the World Cup.
— Megan Reyes (@megreyes_) April 8, 2023
Sending good vibes to Mallory Swanson 🙏💙 pic.twitter.com/01Unrc26yn
— The Local W (@TheLocalW) April 8, 2023
Gutted for Mallory Swanson, fingers crossed for good news and back on the field soon.
— David Robertson (@CoachDR7) April 8, 2023
Mallory Swanson chants have started at Q2 as she gets stretchered off the field. Absolutely gutted for her... Trinity Rodman checking into the match now.
— Aly Trost Martin (@AlyTrostMartin) April 8, 2023
Who could replace Mallory Swanson in USA World Cup roster
With Swanson likely missing out on the trip to Oceania in the coming months, attention turns to her possible replacement, with manager Vlatko Andonovski assessing his options.
Winger Trinity Rodman projects to be the natural replacement in the starting lineup, though she prefers to line up on the right instead of the left side, with Sophia Smith switching flanks when Rodman plays. Veteran forward Lynn Williams is also an option for the USA's attacking front line.
The talented Alyssa Thompson, 18, will also be given a chance to impress in the USNWT's final warmup game before the World Cup roster is announced, and her pace out wide will give Andonovski something to think about when selecting his final squad.
However, despite possessing the ability to wreak havoc through her speed and trickery, the 18-year-old is unproven at this level, with just two senior caps to her name.
Plus, Lyon playmaker Catarina Macario should be back healthy and in the fold, after she missed the SheBelieves Cup at the start of 2023 and the Ireland friendlies, recovering from a torn ACL suffered last year.
Although she brings different qualities than Swanson, Macario's elite skill make her an automatic starter if she can regain her match fitness after a long spell on the sidelines.
Another player who could force herself into the roster is 37-year-old Megan Rapinoe, who starred at the last World Cup in France in 2019. Her set-piece magic and crossing ability would be a valuable asset to the team if the OL Reign player can return to full health following an ankle injury.
If Rapinoe (below) makes the final cut, the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand could be her swansong.
