Injuries have impacted some of the Reggae Girls currently in France to make the FIFA World Cup debut on Sunday June 9th against Brazil.
According a report in the Jamaican Gleaner, the head coach of the team, Hue Menzies, Reggae confirmed forward Kayla Mckoy has a knee injury and is slated to be replaced by University of Washington Huskies striker Mireya Grey who he is confident can have a strong impact on the team.
Grey, according to Menzies possesses similar qualities to McKoy, who has remained in France with the team despite her injury.
According to the report, it is uncertain if Grey will join the team in time for the June 9 game against Brazil as she is currently sitting exams at school and the coach is awaiting confirmation of her availability. Menzies , however, said he has a second choice in the event Grey is delayed.
He said Grey gives the team depth, and was one of the better players in a recent game Panama at Jamaica’s National Stadium. “She gives us youth. She also has a knack for scoring goals, so it was a one-on -one swap,” Menzies added.
The Girlz best player Khadija Shaw who was injured in the warm-up game against Scotland is reported to have fully recovered.
Menzies said the injuries have not disrupted the team’s preparations for the opening game, as the team is accustomed to using different combinations of players. He said the team’s goal is to remain focused, and the last two days of preparation in France was great. The team put is some hard work, and everything is fine. Players are in good spirit and upbeat about Sunday’s game.
