Sidelined By Injury 2 Years Ago, USWNT Veteran Christen Press Ready For Return, Confirms Angel City FC Boss

Christen Press successfully managed to rise from the ashes. The USWNT veteran finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel after returning from a nearly 2-year exile due to injury. As the news of her return to the training facility spreads, NWSL‘s Angel City boss Becki Tweed expressed her thoughts on the good news, citing the importance of Press’ being ‘around the team every day.’ 

As compiled by writer Taylor Vincent, in the presser, the English coach said, “Christen [Press] is back with us full time which is amazing. Having her in and around the team every day, continuing to work hard on rehab… she’s in a space where being in with the team is really important to her and her progression as well.” 

Interestingly, Press recently announced her comeback to training on Instagram through a series of photos. These images depicted her engaging in footwork exercises, jumping, and applying pressure to both knees. The former Manchester United player also wrote an optimistic message, saying, “Look out world, she’s on the move!”

Notably, Press has been sidelined with an ACL injury since June 2022, forcing her to miss the 2023 FIFA World Cup. Over 20 months, the 35-year-old underwent four separate ACL surgeries. Although she has resumed training, she will be unable to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics. In fact, there remains some time before Press can return to competitive play for Angel City. 

The forward will persist with her rehabilitation under the club’s guidance, aiming to make further strides in the upcoming weeks and months. While Press’ return is a welcome sight for fans, her teammate’s season ended before it even began!

Christen Press’ Angel City teammate’s 2024 season comes to an end

The upcoming NWSL season will be missing several key players, starting with Christen Press’ teammate Jun Endo, who suffered an ACL injury during the club’s preseason camp in Melbourne. Coach Becki tweeted, “Having her season end before it could truly begin is devastating” while wishing her a speedy recovery. Surprisingly, the club has not disclosed the specific cause of the injury. Endo is not alone in seeing her 2024 NWSL season cut short. 

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In February, Orlando City’s defender Megan Montefusco underwent foot surgery due to issues with her right foot. Similarly, Orlando Pride’s Simeone Charley, who missed the 2023 season due to an ACL injury in her left foot, has now suffered a rupture in her right leg during training. Lastly, North Carolina Courage star Kerolin Nicoli ruptured her ACL in late October 2023 and is expected to return just before the season ends in November 2024.

While it’s tough luck for the aforementioned players to not be able to play in the 2024 NWSL season, Christian Press is fortunate to have returned in time. All that remains to be seen is if she returns to the pitch as soon as possible.