186 days. We repeat, it was after 186 days that Rose Lavelle finally saw some soccer action. Having left the pitch during last year’s USWNT match against the Netherlands on December 4 due to an ankle injury, the midfielder made her long-awaited return on June 7 for NJ/NY Gotham in her side’s unfortunate 1-2 loss to KC Current. Her comeback has only made ardent fans more eager to see her back in the national setup—something even Emma Hayes is looking forward to.
The 30-year-old entered the pitch during the 74th minute of the regular season NWSL game, also marking the end of her six-month absence. Seeing her play only raises expectations from her to not only play for her domestic team but also join Hayes and Co. for the upcoming national camp later this month. In fact, the former Chelsea boss has herself made a personal plea to the star midfielder.
“I very much hope that she will be with us in camp,” Hayes told journalist Jeff Kassouf during an exclusive chat on ESPN’s weekly women’s soccer studio show Futbol W. “She’s had, as she calls it, a very lengthy layoff. I don’t think Rose makes a really good injured player; she’s bored senseless,” added the 48-year-old.
Hayes insisted that Lavelle is not only looking forward to earning her starting place back in Gotham but also eyes the US national team’s return. While congratulating the veteran on making her appearance over the weekend, the ex-WSL said, “We miss her experience and [we’re] very much looking forward to her coming back.”
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