New York City FC midfielder Jack Harrison has a pelvic injury that will keep him out of preseason training.

The teenager, the number one MLS Draft pick, will not be rushed back into action. Coach Patrick Vieira is determined that the 19-year-old winger gets the best possible start to life as a professional.

“Of course we’re disappointed for Jack as we know how desperate he is to begin training with his new teammates,” declared Vieira.

“But he is young and we’ll put together a treatment plan that will see him return to training fitter and stronger than ever.”

“We were aware he had a problem, but having monitored and assessed the injury further since he joined us, we’ve found that it will take him longer to return to full fitness than we first anticipated.”

"At the moment we’re still assessing the injury and don’t want to put an exact timeframe on it. Hopefully Jack can take part in some of our pre-season, but at the same time we would never rush a player.”

"The important thing is to be patient and treat the injury properly; there is no reason to rush. When he comes back, we want him to feel ready to express and show the talent we know he has. He is a prospect for the future and is going to have a massive part to play in this season for us.”

New York City FC Head Coach Vieira is delighted with how well Harrison has settled in at the Club already.

“Jack is with us in Florida and it’s great to have him with the team. At the moment he’s enjoying spending time with his new teammates and has fitted really well into the group.”

Harrison agreed that he has quickly adapted to New York City FC and is philosophical about the injury that will delay his debut.

“I’m really enjoying spending time with the guys, the last few weeks have been really exciting," he stressed.

"I’m really grateful to have been given the opportunity to play for New York City FC and I want to thank all the NYCFC fans that have welcomed me to the club since I joined, they have been amazing to me.”

“Injuries happen in football and now I’m focused on working hard and am looking forward to getting back to the training pitch as soon as I can,” he concluded.

New York City FC is currently training at Florida Gulf Coast University. The Club’s first preseason match is on Jan. 31 against Florida Gulf Coast University.