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Sporting Kansas City and Jaylin Lindsey received some bad news. The young homegrown defender will be out 4-5 months after surgery Friday to repair his meniscus.
“He will be out for a while,” SKC Manager Peter Vermes told The Blue Testament. “The unfortunate thing is it did not even happen in training, it’s kind of an unlucky situation. Another guy that will be out in the short-term when we need bodies will not be around.”
With a number of games coming up for Sporting KC with the condensed schedule and CONCACAF Champions League, the news comes at a bad time for the team. SKC only has one player that plays right back, converted mid/winger Graham Zusi.
While Zusi at age 32, does not show many signs of slowing down, he will need rest in a congested schedule. Lindsey just turned 19-years-old and was expected to fill in for Zusi (and be depth for the left as well), possibly becoming his long-term replacement.
Lindsey filled in and played several games at left back for Sporting KC last season when injuries forced him to switch sides. He performed well on his non-natural left side for SKC.
Lindsey was expected to be gone for an extended period of time in May and June to play for the United States U-20 National Team at the U-20 World Cup in Poland. Lindsey will miss out on a great opportunity to gain experience and possible compete for a World Cup.
It is expected that Sporting KC will look to add some depth at right back and forward as well while the transfer window is still open.
Update on 4/2/19: Lindsey had surgery on his left knee. It occurred last week and the team re-confirmed he’s out 4-5 months.