It looks like Gotham FC won’t be catching a break for the time being. Dark clouds continue to loom over the NWSL side as they receive a string of concerning updates regarding their roster. The latest unfortunate development involves their star player, Rose Lavelle. Head coach Juan Carlos Amorós has admitted that it remains unclear when exactly the USWNT midfielder will return to the pitch.

Already, the mass exodus of star players was enough to test the New York side. The likes of Lynn Biyendolo (formerly Williams), Jenna Nighswonger, and Crystal Dunn departing have made the roster thinner. But as they say, trouble comes in threes, and the Goths aren’t being spared. They are now being forced to deal with more temporary absences of their players.

Regarding Lavelle, this one comes from the mouth of journalist Jenna Tonelli. As stated on X, there is no specific timeline regarding the midfielder’s return from her ankle injury. According to Juan Carlos Amorós though, Rose is indeed “working incredibly hard behind the scenes”. However, the Spaniard believes it’s still too early to say when exactly will she return to the pitch.

Notably, Lavelle has been keeping up with her rehabilitation work since December. It was reported earlier that the former OL Reign star had undergone her ankle surgery. She’s currently with the whole team as the Bats train for their pre-season in Spain. While it’s unclear to know the exact status of her ankle blow, Juan Carlos Amorós did call the 29-year-old a “magician” on the pitch. Of course, she is, considering how vital she is for the team.

Having joined the club last season, Rose Lavelle played a key role for Gotham FC, featuring in every match during the final stretch of the 2024 NWSL campaign. She delivered a career-best performance, netting seven goals in the regular season and making a decisive impact with her late winner in a 2-1 quarterfinal victory over the Portland Thorns. However, despite her contributions, Gotham ultimately fell to the Washington Spirit in the semifinal shootout.

Aside from leading the team with 28 shots on goal and 55 total shots, she finished the season with a career-best passing accuracy of 81.96%, while also earning Best XI of the Month honors in June. Given her importance to the squad, her absence has only heightened fans’ anticipation for her return. For that to happen, Lavelle has over a month’s time to recover as the NWSL kicks off its new season on March 14.

Otherwise, if she fails to recover in time, the USWNT star could be at risk of missing the season opener. In that case, fans may have to wait for their highly-rated magician’s return sometime after the new season has gained momentum. Then again, it’s not all downhill for Gotham as there’s a huge update on their other star player.

While Rose Lavelle remains a doubt, Gotham receives a crucial boost on Midge Purce

In a similar press conference, Juan Carlos Amorós provided an update on Midge Purce’s injury status. While the Spanish coach emphasized that the forward is “100% healthy,” he noted that she is still gradually reintegrating into the team environment. To remind you, the 29-year-old had sustained a season-ending injury last year.

For now, the priority remains ensuring her safe return. Hence, Amorós admitted it’s still too early to determine if she’ll be ready for the home opener. Interestingly, Gotham FC announced just days ago that Purce had signed a one-year contract with the club. She had entered free agency after five seasons with Gotham. “I’m back,” said the 29-year-old when about her contract renewal. “I’m excited to continue my journey with Gotham FC. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch to play with this team and for our incredible fans.” 

Now, as the 2023 NWSL Championship MVP works her way back, all eyes will be on her highly anticipated return to the pitch. Of course, alongside Rose Lavelle as well!