Bad luck, or a curse: NYCFC announced more injuries before MLS return | OneFootball

Talk to any New York City FC fan, and many will argue that the injuries to the squad have impacted the 2026 Major League Soccer season. The Boys in Blue will resume the campaign next week, and they sit in eighth place with a 5-6-4 record. It is not ideal by any means, and some points were dropped due to poor defensive mistakes. The injuries are not entirely to blame, but they are part of the overall story.

So, what the club needs now is more injured players, right? Of course not, but sadly, that is the case. NYCFC announced that both of their Australian players, who participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, are out with ankle injuries. Aiden O'Neill injured his left ankle, and Kai Trewin injured his right ankle.

Both had surgeries, and their return times are unknown. It does not help that this is happening right before the MLS season resumes.

NYCFC's injury issues continue

As such, that means that two of NYCFC's three World Cup players came back injured. And as mentioned, 2026 has not been kind to the club. Right before the World Cup break, the team had eight players on the injury report. Three are out with ACL injuries: Drew Baiera, Alonso Martínez, and Maxi Moralez. Of course, Moralez most recently tore his ACL, as it happened during the Hudson River Derby.

Now, there is hope that some of the players who were originally out before MLS paused the season are ready to go. Out of everyone, maybe Talles Magno and Keaton Parks are 100% healthy. But fans will have to wait until the next press conference for Pascal Jansen to release details regarding the status of the players.

Still, the number of injuries this season is absolutely exhausting. It is easy for fans to wonder whether the team is cursed, especially with the results that should have ended with three points but instead ended with one or none.

Of course, there are more realistic answers, like the idea that NYCFC has bad luck. However, there is also the question of whether the Pigeons should adjust their methods when it comes to training and medical care. Perhaps the number of injuries lies with the need for change. And, if necessary, the Queens side might need to make some new hires.

At this rate, the only thing fans can do is hope that some players are healthy again, and some are close to returning. The good news is that Martínez is training again, and that the squad has some help with the addition of Bénie Traoré. Plus, James Sands and Mitja Ilenič are back from their loan deals.

So, despite the injury woes, things might start to turn around for NYCFC. At least, that is the hope.