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Still excited about the return of the one and only Sean Johnson? Well, let me put a little salt in that sweet Hawaiian Punch you’re drinking.
As reported by FedeFutbol.com and confirmed by the team’s official Twitter, New York City FC winger Rodney Wallace will be returning to the Bronx from the Costa Rican national team to his MLS side following an abductor strain he received at training on Monday. This unfortunate setback for the star Tico follows a good run of form that saw him score against French Guiana and assist Marco Ureña’s game winning goal against Honduras, both of which were key in helping La Tricolor secure a spot in the 2017 Gold Cup knockout rounds.
| @rodwallace22 has an abductor strain and so will be returning to #NYCFC ⬇️ https://t.co/ZAsZ420ebv
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) July 18, 2017
According to Costa Rica national team doctor Alejandro Ramírez, Wallace suffered a second degree tear in his right abductor muscle and is expected to miss 2-3 weeks of action.
It should be noted that NYCFC in all likelihood were prepared to be without Wallace for at least their next two fixtures against Toronto FC and the Chicago Fire due to Costa Rica being scheduled to face Panama - and teammate Miguel Camargo - in a Gold Cup quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday. However, Ruthless Rodney’s untimely injury has most likely extended that timetable by a week or two.
Wallace has been a fixture at the left flank for both the Ticos and New York City this year and replacing him won’t be an easy task for either side moving forward. In 16 caps for the Bronx Blues, he currently has 4 goals and 5 assists on the season and has also scored and assisted once in his 3 appearances for Costa Rica in the Gold Cup.
We at Hudson River Blue wish Rodney a speedy recovery and hope to see him back in blue soon!