“I don’t know if my back will ever be 100 percent.” These words from Trinity Rodman were enough to create havoc among her ardent fans. It naturally led many to wonder if, at just 22, her career had already met a premature end. Though the Washington Spirit forward is back in action—not only featuring in domestic games but also making her return to Emma Hayes‘ roster for the April camp—many are still under the impression that Rodman isn’t quite at her best. However, USWNT veteran McCall Zerboni has stepped up to pour water on the situation, insisting Trinity is “still going to be the player that she is.”

For someone who herself has enjoyed all the highs and lows in her career, it’s only natural for Zerboni to relate to the 22-year-old’s situation. Of course, having gone through the painful experience of trying to recuperate from an injury that was a relapse of an old one, it’s no surprise to see the daughter of Dennis Rodman struggle to find her footing in mental balance while also trying to make it back into a demanding mixer like USWNT.

“Oh, it’s super challenging,” began Zerboni on the latest segment of The Attacking Third. While she admits Trin’s comments on doubting her own potential post-injury return, she has urged fans to not make it such a big deal. The 38-year-old believes that all she needs is some extra work and more importantly, patience.

“It just means she has to do more prehab, more rehab, spend more time in the training room and it just takes more work for her to get on that field every day. She’s still going to be on that field, she’s still going to be the player that she is. Don’t panic people,” assured the Camarillo native, who herself earned just 9 caps for the USWNT.

For a moment, fans may understand McCall Zebroni’s outlook on Rodman’s injury. However, the way Rodman has described her current fitness situation clearly makes it difficult for fans to not get worried about her. In fact, quoting more about how the Spirit forward gave an update regarding her injury, she said, “It’s tough for me coming off such a good season and the Olympics, going into an injury, and now trying to find my place again, my role and my rhythm.”

More to that, the Newport Beach native admitted the mental battle she has been facing with the thought of ‘I can’t be the Trinity I was at the Olympics.’ But still, Zebroni wants the supporters to understand how Trin may end up taking more time than expected to get 100% back in shape.

“She’s going to have to learn that new balance in her new body and her new life of what it’s going to take for her to be on that field,” added McCall. Surprisingly enough, even though the veteran has been siding with Rodman so far, she doesn’t think the youngster is even ready to play the upcoming doubleheader ft. Brazil.

Trinity Rodman is yet to be “90-minute ready”

McCall Zerboni believes that fans don’t need to worry about whether Trin’s situation is grave. However, looking at the current scenario, the former NC Courage star doesn’t see Rodman giving her 100% on the pitch. “I don’t reckon she’s going to start; I don’t think she’s 90-minute ready. They’re just going to have to pace her into it and really manage her load,” said McCall in a similar segment.

Interestingly, this echoes the sentiments of another USWNT veteran and former midfielder who urged Hayes to “damage” Rodman’s playing time for her sake. Meanwhile, back at Washington Spirit, Rodman has featured in all three NWSL games so far. But head coach Jonatan Giráldez has been regulating her minutes. While she came off the bench to play the final half-hour in the opening of two matches, the latest game saw her start but get substituted just after the hour mark.

So it seems similar to the approach that Emma Hayes may follow with her star player. Not to mention that the English boss herself admitted to utilizing Rodman with extra caution. “I have to try and find a sweet spot in camp to integrate her back into the team,” she said ahead of the game.

Regardless, only time will tell how exactly Trinity Rodman will be used in this April camp. In the meantime, share your thoughts on the matter.