NYCFC's injury woes continue as club confirms Maxi Moralez's injury status | OneFootball

Last weekend, during the Hudson River Derby, New York City FC failed to get the coveted win over their rivals. While they had a comeback draw, the game felt like a loss, and one that they lost by multiple goals. The reason for those feelings lies with the fact that fan-favorite Maxi Moralez was injured in the first half.

Immediately, fans could tell it was bad. The way the legend grabbed his knee, and the pain on his face made it obvious that the player might have played his last game for NYCFC. And now, the injury nobody wanted to hear was confirmed: Moralez has an ACL tear.

NYCFC confirms injuries as team cannot catch a break

Per the team, Moralez "will undergo surgery to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the left knee. The Argentine will have surgery at Montefiore Einstein in the coming weeks and will begin rehab immediately after."

This was an expected announcement. However, it was unknown whether it was going to be a full tear or a partial one. Regardless, tearing an ACL at 39, especially a full rupture, makes the prospect of him returning to the pitch an unlikely one.

At the same time, the loss of Moralez is big for the Pigeons. Age, at least with his playing, meant nothing. The Argentine still played at a high level and started every match. Although, one can only wonder now whether Pascal Jansen should have rested him more. Maybe the wear and tear on the body led to the ACL rupture.

Meanwhile, it is kind of crazy that NYCFC has multiple players out due to an ACL injury. Alonso Martínez tore his ACL during international duty last fall. Then, Drew Baiera tore his ACL on international duty this spring.

The club also gave an update on Kevin O'Toole. He "underwent successful surgery on his groin and abdomen last week." It is unknown how long he will be out and how severe the severity is. Losing him and Baiera has provided proof that NYCFC is thin when it comes to their fullbacks. Tayvon Gray thankfully has been healthy, but Nico Cavallo sometimes has been liable in the backline. O'Toole was not having his best year, but he was still better than Cavallo.

The injuries might not be over, though. Keaton Parks was hurt right before the match against the Columbus Crew on Wednesday. Hopefully, it was just a knock, and he will be okay.

When all is said and done, Moralez's injury is the most consequential for NYCFC. The injury woes will not go away, and the feeling of despair has crept back in, rearing its ugly head.