Charlotte FC midfielder underwent surgery, expected to be sidelined for months
Charlotte FC said Friday that midfielder Chris Hegardt is expected to be sidelined approximately eight weeks after a successful meniscectomy surgery earlier this week.
Hegardt, 20, suffered an injury to his meniscus during training. He appeared in Charlotte FC’s first two matches of the season, against D.C. United and the LA Galaxy, coming on as a substitute in both games.
He’s expected to make a full recovery after surgery, the club said. The timeline suggests he’ll be out through late May.
Vinicius Mello is the only other Charlotte FC player with a long-term injury. Head coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez said last month that Mello’s recovery process was expected to take three months.
Striker Karol Świderski is also questionable this weekend with a right thigh injury he picked up during last weekend’s match against the New England Revolution. Winger Yordy Reyna (right thigh), defender Adam Armour (back) and defender Jan Sobociński (left thigh) were also questionable as of Thursday.
Although Hegardt hasn’t started a match, he was featured in two of Charlotte’s most highly attended events this season, and Ramírez spoke highly of Hegardt’s potential. He signed with the club in January after playing two seasons for Georgetown University’s men’s soccer team.
Hegardt won’t be available for upcoming games, but the addition of former Houston Dynamo midfielder Derrick Jones will help fortify that position for Charlotte FC this weekend.
Charlotte FC’s next match is Saturday at 5 p.m. against FC Cincinnati at Bank of America Stadium.
This story was originally published March 25, 2022 at 6:10 PM.
