New York City FC has not ruled out the possibility of forward Malachi Jones returning this season.
Jones, 20, suffered a gruesome leg injury after colliding with Orlando City goalkeeper Mason Stajdajar in the penalty area during a match between the two clubs on June 28. Underwent repair surgery A few days later, I broke the tibia and fibula in my right leg.
NYCFC has not said when Jones might return, but sporting director David Lee told The Post on Wednesday that “there’s a chance he could return before the end of the season.”
“We probably won’t know for another few weeks until we know how the surgery settles down and really know exactly what his status is,” Lee said, “but we’re hopeful and we’re not going to count him out. If he’s available to play this season, we’d love to see him.”
Jones visited the New York City Football Club’s training facility in Orangeburg on Wednesday, and Lee said it was the first time he’d seen the forward walking without crutches.
Montefiore Medical Center, where Jones underwent surgery earlier this month, posted a video to social media on Wednesday of Jones walking around the facility without crutches, writing that he was “already walking just days after surgery.”
NYCFC is eager to acquire Jones, who will be the eighth overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, but Lee has signaled he does not want to rush him back and risk his long-term health.
“We believe Malachi has a great future ahead of him and we will make the best long-term decision we can,” Lee said.
Jones made a relatively smooth transition from college to the pros after playing two years at Lipscomb University.
He has been a bright spot for NYCFC, who sit fifth in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind rivals the Red Bulls.
Jones was expected to develop at NYCFC II this year before becoming a first-team regular.
He played in 14 games, starting four, scoring one goal and recording three assists.
His first MLS goal came against Toronto FC on May 11.
Amazingly, only Santiago Rodriguez, Hannes Wolf and Tayvon Gray have recorded more assists than Jones this season.
Lee said New York City FC noticed Jones’ “unique” one-on-one ability when they scouted him in college, and he believes that helped Jones make the easy leap to MLS.
“I think it helped his performance and he probably could have scored a couple more goals,” Lee said. “I think he made a big impact with his performance and I think he’s part of a really strong attacking line because there’s a lot of competition for places.”
“We have to make difficult decisions. [head coach Nick Cushing] Every week you look at which players aren’t going to make the team, which players aren’t going to make the 11, and I think Malachi was pushing himself into that role until he unfortunately got injured.”
