United States head coach Vlatko Andonovski has hinted that Sam Mewis’ fitness will be carefully managed at the upcoming SheBelieves Cup.
The 28-year-old was injured during the United States’ second international friendly fixture against Colombia in Florida last month and the player was a notable absentee as Manchester City defeated West Ham United 4-0 at The Academy Stadium yesterday.
Mewis is set to return to full training this week and could play a part in both of City’s upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester United before jetting off for SheBelieves Cup duty with the United States on 13 February.
The United States will face Canada, Brazil and Argentina over the course of six days later this month with Mewis having been named in head coach Andonovski’s final 23-player squad. In this evening’s United States press conference in which FAWSL Full-Time were present, Andonovski hinted that Mewis’ fitness will be carefully monitored with the player’s involvement in the tournament potentially being limited.
“Sam is getting better” said the United States head coach. “She is a little bit better than what we expected which is very positive.
“There are still question marks over how much we can rely on her.
“I am pretty confident that we are going to see her in at least one of the games.”
Mewis is one of three Manchester City players to be named in the United States squad. The midfielder is joined by fellow Cityzens Abby Dahlkemper and Rose Lavelle.
United States kick-off their SheBelieves Cup campaign against Canada at midnight on 19 February before taking on Brazil two days later. The Stars and Stripes complete their tournament matches against Argentina on 25 February.