Charlotte FC goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina undergoes back surgery
By Chris Smith
Charlotte FC could be without goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina for the start of the 2023 season after undergoing successful back surgery.
The Croatian was among the most consistent goalkeepers in Major League Soccer in 2022, making 98 saves and keeping seven clean sheets to help Charlotte FC finish ninth in the Eastern Conference during their debut season.
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However, Kahlina required surgery to fix an outstanding issue with his back. Head coach Christian Lattanzio is hopeful he'll have the 30-year-old back sooner rather than later, but couldn't give an exact timeframe when it came to the start of the 2023 MLS season.
"We are not sure exactly the day when he's coming back," Lattanzio said. "I don't know if he's going to be ready exactly for the first game of the season, but we will see how the recovery goes. It shouldn't be a lot, lot later."
Should Kahlina be unable to return in time for CLTFC's opening fixture against the New England Revolution on February 25, one of Pablo Sisniega, George Marks, or Adrian Zendejas is likely to fill his gloves.