Shannon Boxx will undergo an exploratory arthroscopic surgery on her right knee on April 30, according to the Chicago Red Stars. Boxx is expected to miss approximately 4-6 weeks of playing time, and is also likely to miss the U.S.-Canada rematch in Toronto on June 2.
The procedure is a minor one. If any issues such as loose cartilage are found, they will be immediately taken care of during the procedure.
Boxx is quoted in the Red Stars press release as choosing to undergo the procedure now. “I would have loved to continue playing during the start of Red Stars season as well as be available for the game in Canada. But the pain was not subsiding, so in talking to all my coaches and athletic trainers on both teams, it seemed like the best time to get the procedure done so I can be one-hundred percent and pain-free again for both club and country.”
Chicago will be without any U.S. women’s national team allocated players for the duration of Boxx’s recovery.
The Chicago Red Stars travel to Boston this weekend to face the Breakers at Dilboy Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Equalizer previously covered roster rules concerning replacements for injured players in this post. If the team places her on the disabled list, they will not be able to replace her temporarily.