by DAVE MARTINEZ

The New York Cosmos will not count on Roversio to start the Spring Championship season.

Roversio, who has been plagued by an arthritic right knee issue over the past two seasons, has picked up an injury to his left knee which will require him to be on the injured reserve list to start the season.

“I picked up a small injury in California,” Roversio told EoS, pointing to his knee. “It will take some time to recover so we will go into treatment to get back as soon as possible. Unfortunately, this happened. Now I have to wait for this to heel naturally. I have to do what I can in treatment to get back on the field.”

While that situation has opened a roster spot to sign former Spurs star Niko Krancjar, it comes at the cost of a player regarded by many to be among the top centerbacks in the NASL.

Losing Roversio is nothing new to the Cosmos. After starting the majority of the team’s Fall 2013 matches leading to the Soccer Bowl, the Brazilian defender has struggled with his health, playing all of 16 matches in 2014 and 15 total matches in 2015.

Still, this latest setback is extra disappointing for Roversio who was counting on a comeback season.

“You come into preseason hoping things will be different and you can help the team, and I find myself with this issue,” a dejected Roversio said. “I just have to recuperate and come back fast. That is my hope.”