Cameron Harper Injury: Red Bulls Defender’s Timetable Uncertain
Red Bulls Defender’s Injury Update
The New York Red Bulls do not have a timetable set for defender Cameron Harper, who suffered a knee injury during Saturday’s home opener against Nashville, despite getting some promising news, head coach Sandro Schwarz confirmed on Thursday.
“It’s not so bad than what we first expected,” Schwarz said as his team prepares for Matchweek 3 against Atlanta United on Saturday. “It’s difficult to say when he’s coming back.”
Injury Details
The 23-year-old suffered the injury during first-half stoppage time of the Red Bulls’ home-opening 2-0 win Saturday night when Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge landed awkwardly on him just outside the New York box. After staying on the pitch for a few moments, he walked off under his own power while being escorted by trainers. He went straight down the tunnel to the team’s locker room and did not return.
Head Coach’s Assessment
Following the match, head coach Sandro Schwarz speculated that Harper’s absence is expected to be on the “longer” side. “I don’t want to speculate about when he may be coming back,” Schwarz said on Thursday. “I don’t know if it’s two weeks, three weeks, or six weeks. So give us a little bit more time, and then we can talk exactly what the timeline might be.”
Team’s Injury Woes Continue
The Red Bulls are already dealing with a surge of injuries during the early portions of the 2025 MLS season. Lewis Morgan was a late scratch for the home opener after he suffered a knee injury during Friday’s training session. New signings in striker Wiktor Bogacz (back) and defender Marcelo Morales (knee) have yet to make their Red Bulls debuts.
Harper’s Versatility
Harper’s versatility has made him an invaluable part of Schwarz’s roster since he arrived as head coach before the 2024 season. A natural midfielder, he has been deployed at every midfield position but has been most utilized recently as a wing-back. “It’s good to have this flexibility in our roster to have these profiles of players who are able to play more than one position,” Schwarz said. “That’s good to have him and this profile. We have to answer our structure first and look at which player is in the best position.”
Conclusion
The Red Bulls will have to wait and see how Cameron Harper’s injury progresses, but for now, they are left to manage with a depleted defense. With Morales and Raheem Edwards set to take over at left back, the team will have to find ways to adapt and overcome the absence of one of their key players.
FAQs
* What is the extent of Cameron Harper’s knee injury?
The extent of Harper’s injury is not yet clear, but head coach Sandro Schwarz has hinted that it may be a longer-term issue.
* When is Cameron Harper expected to return?
The Red Bulls do not have a timetable set for Harper’s return, but they will provide updates as his injury progresses.
* How will the Red Bulls replace Cameron Harper?
The Red Bulls will likely deploy Marcelo Morales and Raheem Edwards at left back until Harper returns, but they may also look to other options to fill the gap.
* What is the impact of Cameron Harper’s injury on the Red Bulls?
Harper’s absence will be felt, but the Red Bulls have a deep squad and may be able to adapt to his loss.
