Zack Steffen has undergone knee surgery and is reportedly set to miss 3-4 months.
The U.S. national team goalkeeper just completed a season on loan at Middlesbrough, falling just short of promotion to the Premier League after his side fell to Coventry in the Championship playoff semifinal.
The 28-year-old revealed on Thursday that he had surgery on his knee, with The Washington Post reporting it was a scope to clean out meniscus damage and he’ll be out for at least three months.
Steffen posted on his private Twitter account: “In life there are times when you have to take a step backward in order to progress further, stronger and wiser.
“God has a plan different from our own. I’m grateful for all who have helped me these past couple of weeks. I’ll be back soon.”
Zack Steffen undergoes knee scope to clean out meniscus damage he suffered early last season and had to manage all year, I’m told. Out 3-4 months, which postpones decision on loan destination from Man City. #usmnt pic.twitter.com/x7kYbBx1gZ
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) June 1, 2023
Steffen’s future unclear
The procedure means Steffen will miss out for the USMNT this summer as it aims to defend its titles in both the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup.
After surprisingly being left off the USMNT roster for the World Cup, Steffen returned to the national team in March for its two Nations League matches.
Steffen returns to Manchester City with his future up in the air. In March he said that he has no intention of staying at the Premier League champions, where he had previously served as the backup to Ederson.
Due to his high wages, Boro appears unlikely to make a permanent move for the American.
Steffen’s latest injury won’t help his cause as he searches for a new club, as he looks set to miss at least the first couple weeks of the regular season.
[lawrence-related id=16092,20704,20682]