South Ward Central has learned that Gotham FC midfielder Denise O’Sullivan’s knee injury is not considered season-ending and is expected to keep her sidelined on a week-to-week basis.
Following Thursday’s training session, South Ward Central spoke with acting head coach Shaun Harris, who expressed his relief that O’Sullivan was able to avoid a major injury.
Gotham FC Receive Positive Denise O’Sullivan Injury Update
“It’s a huge relief,” Harris told South Ward Central. “It’s really important. She’s a key player for us. Obviously, that’s why we signed her.
“The quality that she brings, the mentality that she brings both on and off the pitch, is something that we really rely on. It’s going to be great to having her back in and really power that midfield. It creates more competition, and that’s what we want. We want to be competing for these top trophies, and we need the top players as fit as much as possible.”
O’Sullivan suffered the injury in training leading up to Gotham’s July 29 road match against Bay FC. Harris previously described the injury as “a freak accident” when O’Sullivan attempted to block a shot.
She did not train with teammates on Thursday morning in East Hanover, New Jersey. Friday’s home match against San Diego Wave FC has come too soon for her return to match action.
Harris: O’Sullivan Is ‘Really Important’ To Gotham
That said, Harris is looking forward to getting O’Sullivan reintegrated into the team as soon as she’s medically cleared.
“It will be really important to have her back,” Harris stated.
The 32-year-old Republic of Ireland international has played for a total of 38 minutes split across two matches since her arrival from Liverpool on July 11. Most recently, she made a 30-minute substitute appearance
When O’Sullivan does return to training, she will join former North Carolina Courage teammate Meredith Speck, who signed for Gotham on Thursday. Speck took part in Thursday’s training session and is expected to be named to the matchday squad.
Friday’s contest against San Diego is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. Eastern Time and will be shown on Prime Video.
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