NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga to miss start of Kansas City Current's season

Chris Armas says Chawinga is 'getting closer' to returning from injury

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:35pm

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Reigning National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) MVP Temwa Chawinga is set to miss the beginning of the 2026 season, Kansas City Current head coach Chris Armas has confirmed. Chawinga has been recovering from an adductor injury suffered in October 2025 and is not yet available, though Armas says she is 'getting closer' to a return.

Why it matters

Chawinga's absence is a significant blow for the Current, who won the NWSL Shield in 2025 and set league records for points, wins, and fewest goals conceded. As the reigning MVP and Golden Boot winner, Chawinga is a crucial part of the team's attack, and her recovery timeline will be closely watched as the Current aim to build on their successful 2025 campaign.

The details

Chawinga suffered the adductor injury in the first half of a 1-0 defeat to the Houston Dash on October 18, 2025. She missed the Current's final regular season match and their playoff quarterfinal loss. Armas says the team is being 'intelligent' about managing Chawinga's return to play, as they don't want to rush her back given the 'demanding season' for NWSL players. While Chawinga has recently returned to training, Armas was reluctant to provide a specific timeline for her return to game action.

  • Chawinga suffered the injury on October 18, 2025.
  • She missed the Current's final regular season match and playoff quarterfinal in 2025.
  • Chawinga recently returned to training with the Current.

The players

Temwa Chawinga

The reigning NWSL MVP and Golden Boot winner, who is recovering from an adductor injury suffered in October 2025.

Chris Armas

The head coach of the Kansas City Current, who confirmed Chawinga's injury status and recovery timeline.

Michelle Cooper

A U.S. women's national team forward who is also on the Current's Season-Ending Injury list.

Penelope Hocking

A forward recently signed by the Current from Bay FC for a $350,000 transfer fee.

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What they’re saying

“She's not available yet, but she's getting closer.”

— Chris Armas, Head Coach, Kansas City Current

“We're seeing her out on the training pitch these days, but it's such a demanding season for these athletes, especially the demands that she puts into games. She's getting close. We still are managing it the right way.”

— Chris Armas, Head Coach, Kansas City Current

“I'd love to be able to know myself. Is it next month you see some action? Who knows? But that's me trying to give you that (a timeline). It's getting closer.”

— Chris Armas, Head Coach, Kansas City Current

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Temwa Chawinga's injury absence is a significant challenge for the Kansas City Current as they look to build on their successful 2025 season, but the team is taking a cautious approach to her recovery in order to ensure she is fully fit when she does return to the lineup.