The USWNT and NWSL forward revealed that her back issue will be persistent – and Donovan believes it is a concern
Rodman reveals that her back issues will affect careerHoward and Donovan address Rodman's candid remarksFormer USMNT stars express concernsGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
USWNT star Trinity Rodman recently opened up about her ongoing back injury, raising concerns among U.S. Soccer icons Tim Howard and Landon Donovan
“It’s the one injury that you just really don’t want, as it’s your mobility – and that’s what she’s built on,” Howard said on the
On the podcast, Howard and Donovan discussed Rodman’s comments about her persistent back issues, particularly her revelation that it will likely never be "100 percent" again. The statement has sparked concerns about her long-term fitness, though Rodman emphasized that she and her team are managing the issue the best they can.
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"Honestly, I don't think my back will ever be 100 percent," Rodman told reporters after Washington’s 2-0 win over Bay FC, per ESPN. "It's kind of an issue of it's not one specific thing, it's just the way that my back's structured. And it's more so management than like a curable fix. So I think we've managed it really well, and I'm happy with the progression that we've had. But for me, I don't think my back will ever be the way it was my rookie year, which is unfortunate."
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“This is a problem because, with a lot of things that you have to manage in your career Tim, injury-wise, a back is not a good one. Because there are just a lot of things that can go wrong so I do worry a little bit about that with her and hopefully she has the awareness and the people around to make sure, like Messi and his age, that you’re managing it right so she can play,” Donovan said on the podcast.
Howard further added, “She’s got brilliant pace, really strong, obviously great tight feet in and around the penalty area but like ultimately it’s her explosiveness that gets her off the mark. Hopefully, she can manage that and we don’t see any sort of demise cause she’s absolutely sensational to watch."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 22-year-old enjoyed an extremely successful 2024 Paris Olympics with the US Women’s national team, scoring three goals and playing a key part of the team’s lethal front-line alongside Sophia (Smith) Wilson and Mallory Swanson. However, she has not played for the USWNT since then because of her back injury and was left off the roster for the January camp and the SheBelieves Cup tournament.
Getty Images SportWHAT’S NEXT?
Trinity Rodman is back in the USWNT squad for the April international break and will likely be a part of Emma Hayes’ team for the friendlies against Brazil on April 5 and 8. The matches will take place just outside Los Angeles and San Jose, and it will likely be Rodman’s first appearance for her country since the Paris Olympics.
