United States women’s national team captain Becky Sauerbrunn will miss the upcoming 2023 FIFA World Cup due to a foot injury sustained in April.
The veteran defender announced her omission from the World Cup roster for the first time since 2007, adding she "hoped and worked to make it back in time."
"Heartbroken isn't even half of it. But that's sports for you and that's life. I had hoped and worked and hoped some more to make it back in time to help lead the team at this World Cup, but after lots of discussion, unfortunately, there's just too much variability in my return to play timeline," Sauerbrunn said on social media.
"I'll be home, working as hard as I can to get back on the field as quickly as I can. It's been an honor to work and play alongside this incredible group of athletes. They have my unwavering support. And, more importantly, they have my unyielding belief.
"This program has always been about the collective and I have no doubt that the twenty-three players on the final roster have everything they need-in their feet, their heads and their hearts-to bring our fifth trophy home. To my teammates, I love you."
Her absence is a huge blow for the USWNT, who often depended on Sauerbrunn for stability in the backline. She remains one of the team’s longest-standing players with 216 international appearances, inspiring the American side to World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019.
Sauerbrunn also led the USWNT to the final in 2011, before losing to Japan.
The defender is just one of several key players injured ahead of the international tournament, joining Mallory Swanson, Sam Mewis and Catarina Macario on the list. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski will now have to depend on fresh new figures like Alyssa Thomson, Ashley Sanchez and Sophia Smith to combat the absences.
Andonovski is set to announce his 23-player roster in the coming days, as the tournament kicks off on July 20. The USWNT will face Vietnam, the Netherlands and Portugal in Group E of the Women’s World Cup in a bid to defend their back to back titles.
This article was originally published on 90min as Becky Sauerbrunn to miss Women's World Cup due to injury.