Jess Fishlock out 4-6 weeks with tibia fracture

Seattle Reign FC announced today that midfielder Jess Fishlock has suffered a fracture to her left tibia, and is expected to be out four to six weeks. [insert sob emoji here]

The injury occurred in the 31st minute of Seattle's April 24 road match against the Boston Breakers. Fishlock went in for a challenge near half against McCall Zerboni, and the pair got tangled. Fishlock instantly clutched her knee and was down for a few minutes, causing many to fear it was an ACL tear, which would put her out for months.

Fishlock, because she's part dragon, walked off the field unassisted and re-entered the match a few minutes later. She lasted until the 40th minute, when Elli Reed came on to replace her.

While there is some good news, in that Fishlock didn't suffer an ACL tear, Seattle's depth in the midfield will be put to the test over the next two months. Fishlock's presence was clearly missed in the second half of the match against Boston, and the team has a lot fewer options to fill her role than they did last season, when Amber Brooks and Mariah Bullock split time in the midfield.

Elli Reed, who played in the midfield against Boston, could be a replacement, as could Havana Solaun, Lindsay Elston, or Kendall Fletcher, who was a defensive midfielder during her time with Canberra United in Australia's W-League. For now, we can only wish Fishlock the speediest of recoveries.