Heartbreak has hit the USA women’s football team as the reigning World Cup holders have been hit with several key injuries that have ruled players out of the upcoming tournament. United States captain Becky Sauerbrunn has expressed her devastation after being ruled out of the 2023 Women’s World Cup due to a foot injury. Her absence will be sorely felt by the team when they kick off their campaign against Vietnam on 22 July.
Along with Sauerbrunn, Mallory Swanson and midfielders Sam Mewis and Catarina Macario have also been ruled out for the tournament. The news comes as a bitter disappointment for the US team who are looking to win their fifth title in the upcoming competition, hosted by Australia and New Zealand, starting on 20 July.
Sauerbrunn, a centre-back for Portland Thorns, stated on social media that she was heartbroken to miss out on this opportunity to help lead her team to victory. She had hoped to make a comeback in time for the World Cup but has been unable to after discussions with medical professionals. With her absence, 23 players have been chosen for the final roster, and Sauerbrunn has no doubt that they have everything they need to bring home the trophy.
This latest news will come as a major blow to the US team, who have already suffered setbacks with players missing due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the team is determined to push forward and give their best shot at defending their title. Fans will be waiting anxiously to see how they fare in the tournament, hoping that the players can overcome the injuries and emerge victorious once again.
