Yael Averbuch has announced that she will not return to the team for preseason training prior to the 2019 NWSL season due to her ongoing battle with ulcerative colitis.

Averbuch joined Reign FC in a trade with the Utah Royals prior to the start of the 2018 season. As a result of her illness, Averbuch was limited to just one appearance for Reign FC during the 2018 season.

Reign FC offered Averbuch a new contract for the upcoming season, but Averbuch and the team agreed to wait to execute the agreement until her illness is in remission. As a result, Reign FC will retain the right to sign Averbuch when she is ready to resume her playing career.

“Yael is a warrior. I know how much she loves the game and how hard she has worked to get back on the pitch,” said Reign FC head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “The entire team supports her in her fight to get healthy and we’ll welcome her back to the team whenever she is ready to play again.”

“I look forward to returning to play with Reign FC as soon as I’m physically able to give it my all,” said Averbuch.