Quick Kicks: Update on Walker Zimmerman's Recovery; Zaha Out Tomorrow
Nashville SC coach B.J. Callaghan and Charlotte FC Coach Dean Smith talk about the aftermath and recovery after Walker Zimmerman's injury; Zaha Out Tomorrow; Independence Play Tonight and Tuesday
Nashville SC and Charlotte FC’s Coaches Both Address Walker Zimmerman Injury
During the Saturday, April 5 match at Bank of America Stadium, Nashville SC center back Walker Zimmerman was concussed by an accidental kick to the face from Charlotte FC winger Kerwin Vargas.
Yesterday, both Nashville SC coach B.J. Callaghan and Charlotte FC Coach Dean Smith gave updates on the injury.
“He’s currently, basically, progressing himself through concussion protocol,” Callaghan said. “It’s a day-by-day sequence that we’re following … we’re trying to do it step-by-step, as safely as possible.”
Video of B.J. Callaghan Courtesy Nashville SC
Callaghan told reporters that due to a flight delay, Zimmerman was able to travel back to Nashville with the team after Saturday’s match. He added that the team will determine Zimmerman’s fitness for play and evaluate him today. A spokesperson for Nashville SC told Soccer Sheet his availability will be announced later today.
At Charlotte FC’s pre-match press conference, Dean Smith answered similar questions about Zimmerman’s progress.
“He had a sore head and a busted lip. We’re thankful it was only that,” said Smith. “He had a concussion and hopefully he’s right now.”
In addition to posting a message for Zimmerman on Instagram, Vargas also reached out to Zimmerman according to Smith.
To Callaghan, the moment was one of humanity on a pitch where the players can often seem invincible.
“We are players, we are coaches, but we’re also human … when that moment happens, yeah, there is a reset. You can’t act like it didn’t happen,” said Callaghan. “We don’t pretend to be superhuman. We are humans, we have feelings, we have emotions, and we just have to be able to process that and move forward with it.”
Smith Reports Zaha Will Miss Montréal Match
Also at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Smith confirmed Charlotte FC Designated Player Wilfried Zaha will be unavailable for tomorrow’s match in Montreal. Zaha underwent thumb surgery on Monday, and according to doctors his injury is not yet up to handling contact.
Many Charlotte FC fans learned about the injury and the surgery from Zaha’s frequent posting on Snapchat.
“Told you guys my [hand’s] done, man. Operation tomorrow,” Zaha posted on Sunday with a picture that showed his hand out of sorts.
Smith expects Zaha to be back in shape for the squad’s April 19 match against San Diego FC.
Charlotte Independence Face Thorn-in-the-Side Forward Madison Before Dogwood Derby Against North Carolina FC
Tonight, the Charlotte Independence host Forward Madison in a replay of their first round playoff loss last year. Madison, also known as the Flamingos, were Charlotte’s achilles heel all year, defeating Charlotte in the semifinals of the USL Cup, and winning the season series with a 0-0 draw at home in Wisconsin and a 2-4 win away in North Carolina. Charlotte tries to improve on last year’s 0-3-1 record against Madison tonight at 7:00 PM at American Legion Memorial Stadium in USL League One play.
Then, on Tuesday, the Independence will host North Carolina FC in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. While the Independence advanced with wins against the Long Island Rough Riders and the Carolina Core, this is the first round the Division II side NCFC will have to play due to making the USL Championship playoffs last year.
The last time the teams met in a competitive match was in the 2023 USL League One championship match at WakeMed Soccer Park, which NCFC won in penalty kicks.
The “Dogwood Derby” kicks off at the Matthews Sportsplex at 7:00 PM on April 15.