IMAGE, DAVE MARTINEZ FOR EMPIRE OF SOCCER

by DAVE MARTINEZ

New York City FC fans were caught by surprise on Thursday evening thanks to a report from SoccerWire.com claiming newcomer Jack Harrison could be out for the remainder of the season.

While his pelvic injury is complicated, current expectations have Harrison playing a role in NYCFC much sooner than that.

According to several sources with knowledge of the situation, Harrison is being slowly nursed to health by the club and could be back in training withing the next 6-8 weeks. His unofficial recovery time is within the 2-4 month range. However, team officials are being cautious with their young star, taking a patient stance on his recovery which may further delay his eventual arrival.

When confronted on the recovery of his 19-year-old prospect, NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira denied the reported season-long absence.

“No, no, no, no … that is the wrong information you have,” he said via conference call. “He will be playing this season, much earlier than you think … He is feeling much, much better and I think we just have to look at his injuries day after day, because he is some days getting really good, and some days it’s taking a little bit longer for him to get better. But what is important for you to know is that Jack will have a part to play in the MLS this season for us.”

As reported by Soccer Wire, Harrison will not opt for surgery to heal his pelvic injury, described as “an avulsion fracture in the pelvis area, in which a tendon or ligament tears a piece of bone away from the hip.” Instead, he will be resting in order to give the ailment proper time to recover naturally.