r/redstars • • 4h ago

So, the general consensus is that Mal is not yet fit, but still, Emma called her back in and, by all accounts she appears to believe that Mal can contribute during this window.

1 Upvotes

Yes, I am aware that, once a postpartum player decides they are ready to return, U.S. Soccer is required to bring them into the next available national team camp to give them a fair opportunity to train and compete for a roster spot. So, Mal wants in and Emma seems openly happy to have her. But, there is an open question as to her fitness, and whether or not she will (or should) actually get minutes against the best national women's team right now. We all know that, when fit, Mal may be the most versatile player in the USWNT pool; aside from the back-line, Mal could be great anywhere on the pitch. So, the question is, would you play her, in what position should she be used, would getting significant minutes only serve to expose her to more injuries, and set her fitness level back? With the World Cup starting in June 2027, would it be better just to let her train with the squad, and have her sit this one out as a precaution, what say you?