Matt Turner reveals extent of ongoing foot injury

New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner has offered an update on the injury problems that have kept him sidelined since early February.

The 27-year-old hasn't featured at all for the Revs at the start of the new MLS season, while he also missed the USMNT's final three World Cup qualifiers against Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica.

Turner's initial injury came during the United States' 3-0 win over Honduras at the start of February - a game played in sub-zero temperatures at Minnesota United's Allianz Field stadium.

“Post the game in Minnesota versus Honduras, I developed a bit of tendonitis in my foot,” Turner said. “It was because the tissue on my foot was frozen and I was running back and forth to stay warm. All that running on frozen tissue sort of expedited the process of tendonitis. But that was only like three or four days.”

Turner quickly recovered from that problem and joined up with the Revs' preseason training camp in the more favorable California climate. After just one day of training, he took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly against LAFC, but quickly picked up another problem.

“A few minutes into the game, a back pass was left short, I went to clear it and someone left their foot in,” Turner continued. “I cleared the ball, kicked the bottom of their foot and I got a hairline fracture in a small bone in my foot.”

With a summer move to Arsenal in the books, Turner's time in New England is limited and, naturally, he wants to play ever second he can with the Revs before he crosses the Atlantic. But the goalkeeper was quickly put in his place by a specialist who gave him strict orders to rest and recover.

“By the time I was able to see the specialist, the specialist said that I needed to be completely off of it, non-weight-bearing on crutches,” Turner said. “It was kind of a kick in the gut because my goal was to be back for every game this season. But then you have to take the rehab one day at a time from there.”

The 2021 Supporters' Shield winners have struggled defensively across their opening four MLS games of the season, allowing eight goals so far. Just as Turner is eager to play, New England are keen to get as many minutes as possible from their No.1 goalkeeper before he departs for the Premier League.

Thankfully, head coach Bruce Arena has confirmed the USMNT stopper is finally nearing a return to fitness.

“He's making progress,” said Arena. “I'd say by the middle of the month he should be back in training. I would think in the month of May he'll be ready to play. He'll be leaving the Revolution at the end of June, so we're hopeful we can get Matt back on the field.”

Getting back on the field is an exciting prospect for Turner, though he is approaching his return with a hint of caution.

“I’m really eager to get back out onto the field,” he said. “I’m itching for it, but I’ve got to take the right precautions.”