Robin Lod sidelined with meniscus tear in right knee

Minnesota United’s woes continue. 

Robin Lod has been ruled out for an extended period after suffering a meniscus tear in his right knee during Wednesday’s 1-0 home-win over the Houston Dynamo. The team revealed Lod will undergo surgery next week, before adding no specific timeline for his return will be given at this time. 

“Minnesota United FC announces that midfielder Robin Lod suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during Wednesday’s match. The Finnish international is scheduled to have reparative surgery this upcoming Monday, May 22. MNUFC sends its strength and support to Robin and wishes him a speedy recovery,” said the club in an official statement. 

Lod first joined the club in 2019 from Sporting de Gijon, and became an integral part of Adrian Heath’s side almost instantly. He’s recorded 22 goals and 14 assists in 93 matches to propel Minnesota United to several playoff appearances. 

But lucky for Heath, Emmanuel Reynoso is now set to return to alleviate the impact of Lod’s absence. Major League Soccer cleared the star midfielder to return to Minnesota United earlier this week, after he faced a suspension for not participating in the team’s preseason. 

"The Lakers weren't too good without LeBron [James], were they? No, I'm serious. You take big pieces out of any team, in any sport, you're not the same," said Heath of Reynoso. 

The Argentina international has been a key figure in Heath's squad with 18 goals and 35 assists in 76 MLS regular season and playoff games. Reynoso first joined in 2020 from Boca Juniors, and recently signed a new long-term deal through the 2026 season. 

Minnesota United currently sit in seventh place on the Western Conference table with 15 points in 12 games after a complicated start to the 2023 campaign.