When Matt Turner agreed to join Arsenal in January, MLS was between seasons, as it operates on a calendar year basis.
The goalkeeper left with the United States men’s national team at the end of January, keeping two clean sheets in three games, but then suffered the injury in a pre-season friendly.
As a result, Turner had not played a single competitive club game from the time New England Revolution officially announced his planned departure to Arsenal until this weekend.
Finally, the 27-year-old returned against Inter Miami CF on Sunday morning (or Saturday night local time).
The comeback went well, as Turner made three saves and a high claim to keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 win. He hopes to play a few more games over the next month and a half before officially joining Arsenal at the end of June.
Turner’s injury has been confused by unclear reports in the media, leading Turner to post a statement on Twitter to clarify matters last month.
You can read the full statement herebut we can sum it up like this:
Turner had a brief bout with tendinitis in his left foot after a recent game for the USMNT, which was quickly resolved.
Turner then suffered a hairline fracture in his right foot following a careless challenge in his final game of the preseason.
New England Revolution confirmed in February that they had agreed terms for Turner’s transfer to Arsenal pending a medical, adding that Turner is expected to join in June 2022.
Athletic then reported that Turner was set to sign a three-year contract with Arsenal when the transfer market reopened this summer.
The Gunners have sealed an agreement with the MLS club, all that remains is to settle the formalities.
Football.London reports that the Gunners have no intention of confirming the transfer until Turner undergoes this pending medical in June.
But there is no bad blood between the clubs, with Arsenal giving the New England Revolution their blessing for their announcement.
