Angel City just can’t seem to catch a break. It’s only been a few days since the Los Angeles-based club endured a narrow exit from the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup semifinals at the hands of Gotham FC. Though still recovering from the loss, ACFC fans found some solace yesterday in the arrival of new signing Katie Zelem. However, the excitement quickly faded in no time, as the England midfielder now faces a potential risk of missing the clash against the San Diego Wave.

It was just hours ago that 28-year-old arrived from Manchester to California. Now, the beginning of her journey at the NWSL side isn’t looking promising. As per the reports from LA-based writer Kamran Nia on X, Zelem isn’t attending the team’s training session with her new teammates. Instead, the Lionesse star is training alone.

A video was shared where the former Red Devils star was focusing on minimal aerobic activity by using a cycle. On top of that, when Becki Tweed was questioned about Zelem’s Angel City debut, the coach replied, “Hopefully, soon. We have to be mindful that it is preseason for her… Hopefully, we will get her on the field as soon as possible.”

This makes Zelem a major doubt for the San Diego Wave clash that Angel City is bound to play on Sunday, August 25. Before this, Tweed and Co. will also line up for their club-friendly against the Liga MX Femenil side FC Juárez Femenil on Monday, August 19. It remains to be seen if Tweed’s prophecy to unleash Zelem ASAP on the pitch comes true.

Until then, Angel City will have to prepare for their domestic battles themselves. Regardless, one thing is certain, when the new signing does make her way on the pitch, she won’t be settling for less.

What does Katie Zelem bring to the table for Angel City?

“Football is my priority,” Katie Zelem said, per The Athletic. “I’m not going to America for the life or for the sun. I’m going to Angel City to win things.” This is exactly what the fans have been wanting to hear for a very long time.

4 wins, 3 draws, and 9 losses in over 16 NWSL games—this alone forces Angel City to hit the panic button. With just 15 points in hand, while sitting in 11th place, they have failed to unlock their potential to the fullest. Now enter Katie Zelem, exactly the kind of player that will help ACFC open their attacking chances up front to help her new attacking teammates like Alyssa Thompson and Christen Press score goals.

Interestingly, it is a reunion moment for Zelem as she again crosses paths with Press, who played for United during the 2020-21 season. The USWNT star even acknowledged that her new domestic teammate was “one of the best captains I ever played for”. This alone constitutes Zelem a perfect signing for Angel City. Let’s hope she returns quickly to finally help her new side.