Temwa Chawinga from the Kansas City Current, the 2025 MVP of the National Women’s Soccer League, will not start the season as she continues to heal from an adductor injury.
Head coach Chris Armas confirmed this information to reporters on Friday.
“She’s not ready yet, but she’s making progress,” Armas said, without sharing a specific timeline for her return.
Chawinga sustained the injury on October 18 during a 1-0 defeat against the Houston Dash. As a result, she missed the playoffs, and the top-seeded Current lost 2-1 to the eighth-seeded NJ/NY Gotham FC.
Armas emphasized the importance of carefully managing her recovery.
“We see her on the training pitch these days, but this season is very demanding for these athletes, especially given her game style. She’s getting closer, and we’re making sure to handle it properly,” Armas stated.
Chawinga, 27, was also the top goal scorer last season, winning the NWSL’s Golden Boot with 15 goals, and she earned a spot on the Best XI.
Armas, who has previously coached the New York Red Bulls and the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer, will make his NWSL debut when the Current opens their season at home on Saturday against the Utah Royals.
He also coached the women’s team at Adelphi University in New York, which is his alma mater.