Jodie Taylor is out three weeks after a procedure on her right knee. (Photo Copyright Erica McCaulley for The Equalizer)
Concerning news for Thorns fans — but even more so for England supporters: Forward Jodie Taylor is out approximately three weeks after a lateral meniscectomy procedure on her right knee.
The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup begins on June 6. Thorns coach Paul Riley says there won’t be any risk of Taylor missing the competition.
“Jodie had an operation,” Thorns coach Paul Riley told the Oregonian. “Looks great. Recovered quickly from the operation, probably another couple weeks away, but she’s rehabbing already and she’ll be back and she’ll be ready for the World Cup.”
The news leaves the Thorns particularly light at the forward position for the next few weeks. Alex Morgan has already departed Portland to rejoin the U.S. for pre-World Cup training camp, and Christine Sinclair returned to Canada.
New addition Genoveva Añonma is expected to arrive to the Thorns ahead of their match against the Boston Breakers on May 16, according to the Oregonian.
Taylor played 105 minutes for the Thorns in their first two games, starting one match. She registered two shots. She was acquired on a draft-day trade with the Washington Spirit.
Riley told The Equalizer in preseason that he knew he would need depth at the forward position, noting that the best teams in the world have four strikers.
“We want the ability to change the game,” Riley said. “I thought last year that with 15, 20 minutes to go, we really couldn’t change the game up front. We didn’t really have another option to go to the bench to and I think that will change this year. We’ll have that option to go to the bench.”
