Jamaica’s Copa America Centenario campaign was dealt another blow on Tuesday, when the Jamaica Observer reported that Reggae Boyz and New York Red Bulls defender Kemar Lawrence will miss the remainder of the tournament due to a groin injury.
Lawrence was removed in the 40th minute of Jamaica’s 1-0 loss to Venezuela on Sunday due to the injury. The Jamaica Observer reported that Lawrence, 23, reported to Jamaica camp with the injury and further aggravated it in their loss at Soldier Field on Sunday.
Recovery is expected to take four to six weeks.
With Lawrence out injured, Jamaica will only have 21 of 23 players available for Thursday’s Group C match against Mexico at the Rose Bowl (10 pm ET; FS1, Univision, UniMas). Midfielder Rodolph Austin is suspended for the game after receiving a red card in the first half against Venezuela.
Lawrence signed with the Red Bulls last March. He made 23 MLS appearances for the club last year, scoring one goal and recording four assists to help New York to the Supporters’ Shield. He has 11 appearances, all starts, for the Red Bulls this season.
