Gotham FC will be without midfielder Rose Lavelle when the Bats take on Portland Thorns FC on Friday at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
“She’s going through the testing, but she’s in a concussion protocol, so she won’t be available tomorrow,” acting head coach Shaun Harris said during Thursday’s press conference.
The 31-year-old United States women’s national team star suffered a concussion during Sunday’s scoreless away draw against Angel City FC.
Lavelle was forced to exit the match after she landed on the back of her head on BMO Stadium’s turf. She was attended to by training staff for several minutes before getting back to her feet. The 5-foot-4 midfielder was able to walk down the tunnel under her own power.
Denise O’Sullivan Available for Selection vs. Portland
In more positive news, veteran midfielder Denise O’Sullivan will be available for selection on Friday. The 32-year-old was not part of Gotham’s matchday squad for five consecutive games after she sustained a knee injury in training ahead of the July 29 road match against Bay FC.
“She’s available for selection,” Harris stated. “Whether she gets on the pitch or not is just kind of how the game goes, but she’s back in training with the team and she’s available for selection.”
O’Sullivan has been limited to 38 minutes played since she joined Gotham from Liverpool on July 14.
Gotham Looking Forward to O’Sullivan’s Full Impact
Harris described O’Sullivan as key to Gotham’s plans earlier this month.
“She’s a key player for us,” Harris told South Ward Central on August 6. “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.”
Recently, Gotham’s midfield has been bolstered by the additions of Meredith Speck and Tess Boade, both of whom are yet to debut for the Bats.
South Ward Central will take a deeper look at Gotham’s meeting with Portland in Friday’s match preview. Check back for more coverage leading up to Friday’s contest which kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
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