Arena Says Borrero Will Spend the Rest of 2023 Rehabbing
Bruce Arena: "We’ll get [Borrero] back next year. I’m afraid he’s going to have to deal with rehab for the rest of 2023.”
While a recovery timeline hasn’t been revealed yet, Dylan Borrero is expected to miss the rest of the 2023 season after suffering a left knee injury during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with FC Cincinnati.
The creative winger landed awkwardly while trying to avoid a tackle from Yerson Mosquera. He was stretchered off the field and was later seen wearing a brace and using crutches.
“Yeah, it’s really a difficult injury,” head coach Bruce Arena said on Tuesday. “We feel bad for [Borrero]. He was just starting to move forward as a player. Obviously, he’s very promising. We’ll get him back next year. I’m afraid he’s going to have to deal with rehab for the rest of 2023.”
Borrero was poised for a breakout year, having already amassed two goals and one assists in eight appearances (seven starts). The 21-year-old, who signed with the Revolution in April 2022, made his debut for the Colombian National Team on Jan. 28.
Borrero’s Revolution teammates are saddened by the injury and will look to support him in any way possible.
“The kid’s got a fantastic career ahead of him, and to see him have that injury is unfortunate,” Matt Polster said. “But I know he’s going to come back; he’s going to work really hard to get back on the field whenever that is. It’s just not ideal and we’re going to have to support him in any way we can.”
The Revs will have to reconfigure their attack with Borrero out. There are some options currently on the roster, but the club could also choose to add a piece during the Summer Transfer Window, which is open from Jul. 5 through Aug. 2.
MLSSoccer.com’s Jonathan Sigal noted that he believes the Revs could sign another U-22 Initiative player if Borrero is placed on the season-ending injury list and the incoming player’s salary budget charge doesn’t exceed Borrero’s.