:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45556726/usa-today-7258862.0.jpg)
UPDATE:
U.S. Soccer tells me Ashlyn Harris is fine now and did fully participate in recent three-week #USWNT camp. Harris broke her pinky finger.
— Caitlin Murray (@caitlinmurr) January 26, 2015
★★★
With Hope Solo suspended from the United States national team, Ashlyn Harris figured to become the Americans' No. 1 goalkeeper. But that won't be the case. A month after the U.S. played in the Brasilia International Tournament, American manager Jill Ellis dropped a bit of news to reporters, seemingly out of nowhere: Harris broke her hand in Brazil and underwent surgery.
Jill Ellis said Ashlyn Harris broke her hand and needed surgery during the #USWNT tournament in Brazil. That appears to be new information.
— Caitlin Murray (@caitlinmurr) January 26, 2015
There is no word yet on how long Harris would be out for. With her undergoing surgery, one would guess that she will not be able to play in the Americans' February friendlies against France and England. As for whether she will be back by the Algarve Cup in March, that is anyone's guess. Everything at this point is a guessing game.
Solo was suspended for 30 days, but she will have to be reinstated before she can play again and U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati has said that is is possible she won't rejoin the team by this summer's Women's World Cup, let alone March. Even if she is reinstated, her recent history indicates she may not remain trouble free by the World Cup so the U.S. really does need another dependable option.
With Harris out, Nicole Barnhart and Alyssa Naeher will probably get looks in goal when the U.S. takes on France and England. Goalkeeper is normally a strong point for the U.S., but Solo's suspension tossed some uncertainty into the position, and Harris' injury just makes it even more of a problem.