HAMBURG, Germany — United States midfielder James Sands is facing a significant recovery period due to a severe right ankle injury and a broken fibula sustained while competing for St. Pauli.
Sands, who had recently joined the German side on loan from New York City FC in January, had to be assisted off the field during stoppage time in a tough 1-0 loss against Freiburg on Saturday. He was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
According to St. Pauli, Sands has suffered a complicated ankle injury that includes a torn medial ligament along with his broken fibula. “Our midfielder has already undergone surgery at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf and will be out for an indefinite period,” the club announced on a social media platform.
Following the match, St. Pauli head coach Alexander Blessin was understandably concerned about Sands’ condition. “It looks really bad,” he remarked. “At first I thought it was the knee. But it doesn’t look good for the ankle.”
Sands had just started his fifth consecutive match for St. Pauli and participated in his seventh overall since his transfer, showcasing his significance to the team in a very short span.
“It really hits me to the core,” Blessin expressed regarding the impact of Sands’ injury on the squad. “He was very strong in challenges and supported Jackson Irvine, which positively impacted his performance. That’s why it hurts very, very much. The hope is that he’ll return as soon as possible.”
Just last week, Sands shared his aspiration to utilize his time at St. Pauli to enhance his chances of being selected for the national team ahead of next year’s World Cup.
In a statement, New York City FC expressed its support, stating, “Everyone at the club wishes James all the best in his recovery.”
St. Pauli is currently battling to maintain its position in the Bundesliga after earning promotion for the sixth time to the top division and is also dealing with several other injured players, including Connor Metcalfe, Robert Wagner, Elias Saad, Karol Mets, and Morgan Guilavogui.
