/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58597797/usa_today_10035939.0.jpg)
The New York Red Bulls have announced that II-team defender Andrew Lombard has undergone surgery for anterior compartment syndrome. The surgery was reportedly completed successfully, but the player will be out of action for an estimated 4-6 weeks.
The RBNY Academy product has endured a difficult start to his pro career. In his rookie season as a professional, Lombard made one appearance for RBNY II, largely due to injury. When fit, the 20-year-old has made it to US Youth National Team camps - he has been to U-18 and U-20 camps - but playing time has been hard to come by more recently.
The predicted schedule for Lombard’s recovery suggests he might be back in training by the time NYRB II is ready to start its USL season in mid-March. If he is lucky, he might not miss many games at all. He is on a II-team contract with RBNY at present, and should be hoping for a strong season in USL in the hope of earning a first-team roster spot for 2019.
First, however, he needs to recover from his latest set-back. Once A Metro wishes Andrew Lombard a swift and complete recovery from surgery, and a quick return to the field.