FC Cincinnati winger Calvin Harris is set to miss six-to-eight weeks after undergoing successful arthroscopic surgery Wednesday, team officials announced.
Harris' absence immediately triggered a roster move for FCC and should have further implications for the team's depth.
Harris, FC Cincinnati's 2021 MLS SuperDraft selection with the second overall pick, made four regular-season appearances and three starts prior to his procedure. The club announced Wednesday he was moved to the injury list, which freed up an international roster spot that will be filled by TSG 1899 Hoffenheim loan prospect Franko Kovacevic.
More:FC Cincinnati analysis: Here's why the next four matches are so important
More:FC Cincinnati, MLS react to Christian Eriksen's Euro 2020 medical emergency
Kovacevic has one appearance for FC Cincinnati, playing in the 2020 season finale against Inter Miami CF. He's been listed on the injury list for most of 2021 and hasn't played since the November match against Miami.
A required senior roster spot is open to Kovacevic, which would give him all the clearances he needs to play for FC Cincinnati immediately.
Harris' absence leads to other roster questions for FC Cincinnati, which has some significant roster decisions coming up.
Jürgen Locadia has split time with Harris on the left wing. Harris also didn't appear in FCC's two most recent matches, which saw Cincinnati change up its formation and utilize Locadia as a striker.
But Locadia could depart the club when his loan from Brighton & Hove Albion of the English Premier League expires on June 30. FC Cincinnati is yet to publicly discuss its plans for Locadia's loan situation.
A loan decision is also looming for Kovacevic on June 30. Kovacevic came to FCC last autumn as part of the club's strategic partnership with Hoffenheim, and he could be retained or sent back to the German club.
If Kovacevic departs, that would seem to leave FC Cincinnati with some temporary flexibility around its international roster spots, of which it has 10, until Harris' return.
Harris also requires an international spot.
Depth questions are popping up all around FCC's roster.
Left back Ronald Matarrita is a question mark for the club ahead of three matches in league play next week against Colorado Rapids, at Chicago Fire FC and against Toronto FC.
Right back Zico Bailey also underwent surgery, the team announced June 4, and will miss what club officials described as an extended period.
If Locadia and Kovacevic depart later this month, the depth will be tested further.
Source link
