Hope Solo has 'long overdue' surgery to replace right shoulder

Hope Solo announced that she underwent shoulder replacement surgery on Wednesday, a procedure that the American goalkeeper said was "long overdue." Solo is currently suspended from the U.S. women's national team and on personal leave from her NWSL club, the Seattle Reign.

The time off from both club and country gave Solo a window to have the procedure, which she called "life-changing." The 35-year-old also said she expects to be healthy and stronger than before. Considering she mentions she hadn't been able to lift her right arm above her head for years prior to the surgery, that makes sense.

According to a link Solo provided with more information on the surgery, the timetable for recovery can be long and difficult. Solo's suspension from the USWNT extends until February, but there's no guarantee that Jill Ellis and U.S. Soccer will call in the goalkeeper even if she's fully healthy. Whatever her playing future might be, hopefully she has a speedy recovery.

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