Rose Lavelle may not feature for OL Reign before World Cup

OL Reign's Rose Lavelle has encountered further setbacks in her recovery that was initially described as "a little knock" by United States women's national team head coach Vlatko Andonovski.

Lavelle has missed the last eight games in all competitions for NWSL side OL Reign. The initial knee injury came against Ireland in a friendly game back in April while playing for the USWNT.

Reign head coach Laura Harvey explained to Equalizer's Bella Munson that Lavelle "was really on track to be back" but has since suffered another setback in her recovery.

"I would love her to be on the field tomorrow," Harvey said. "I don’t think that’s gonna happen. I hope that we get to see her before the World Cup but honestly right now I don’t know."

Despite the lingering injury, Lavelle is expected to be named in the USWNT's squad for the upcoming World Cup. Lavelle had standout performances at the 2019 World Cup and should be amongst the names released from NWSL clubs on June 26th to join up with the USWNT.

Lavelle's injury is not the only injury that the USWNT and coach Andonovski have had to deal with. Sam Mewis, Catarina Macario and Mallory Swanson will all miss the World Cup as the USWNT will have to dig deep to three-peat in down under.