The race for the NWSL playoffs continues to intensify. As we move into Matchday 21, some interesting matches are lined up with Chicago Red Stars vs San Diego Wave being one of them. However, ahead of the kick-off concern remains regarding the presence of Mallory Swanson, who was forced off the pitch during the last action. Luckily, head coach Lorne Donaldson provided a much-awaited injury update.

The notification comes after the USWNT superstar sustained a knock on her shoulder during the previous narrow victory over Portland Thorns. While this raised doubts over her presence in the upcoming fixtures, that won’t be the case after all. As per the reports from Chicago-based journalist Joe Chatz on X, Mallory Swanson is available to face the San Diego Wave tomorrow.

The green flag itself was raised by head coach Donaldson, who gave a positive update regarding the 26-year-old in the pre-match presser. This certainly comes out as great news for ardent fans, who were left worried by her state in the last match. Notably, in the 79th minute, a battle for possession with Thorns defender Kelli Hubly brought the 26-year-old down, causing her to land on her shoulder.

Enduring the discomfort, she stayed on the field until the 83rd minute, at which point she left in tears and made her way to the locker room. After the Thorns clash, even Donaldson denied she knew anything regarding Mal Swanson’s injury. “No, I have no updates. It looked like she landed her shoulder that she did last weekend, it looks like it’s the same one but I have no update,” said the manager.

Either way, the latest update regarding the player’s injury assures her presence against Waves. Perhaps her presence would finally see Swanson find the back at the net, a task she has struggled with since her return from the Paris Olympics. During the Summer Games, the forward impressively scored 4 goals.

Meanwhile, prior to winning gold in France, Swanson had already netted seven times with three assists since the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign. Regardless, it’s necessary for the US international to get her scoring ways back on track, considering her domestic team needs her the most at this specific moment.

Can Mallory Swanson and Co. make it until the NWSL playoffs?

Unfortunate as it may sound, the Chicago Red Stars lack a significant points buffer to secure their playoff position. Currently sitting 7th in the standings with 26 points, they are level with 8th-placed Bay FC. Meanwhile, the 9th and 10th-placed teams are only 4-5 points behind, with a game in hand.

With just five matches left, the Red Stars will need to put forth maximum effort to retain their playoff spot. Similarly, attention will be on Mallory Swanson, who is expected to help lead her team to success. Failure to do so will see them endure the risk of finishing the season empty-handed. Regardless, it remains to be seen if Swanson and Co. step up.