SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sacramento Republic FC announced on Thursday that forward Russell Cicerone had successfully undergone a procedure to repair a high ankle injury. Team Physician Dr. Eric Giza performed the surgery and will continue to oversee Cicerone’s recovery with staff at the UC Davis Health Sports Medicine Program.

After recovering from the procedure, Cicerone will be evaluated and a timetable for his return will be established.

Analysis

Russell Cicerone has been one of the most entertaining forwards in the Championship over the past three seasons, with his 44 goals across 99 regular season appearances the most of any player across the 2021 to 2023 campaigns between competing for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Republic FC. Last season, he recorded the third-most goals in a regular season in Sacramento’s history with 15 tallies.

While his absence will be a challenge for Sacramento during his recuperation, Republic FC seems equipped to handle it. The addition of Trevor Amann this offseason and Kieran Phillips on loan from Huddersfield Town AFC has added scoring punch to this year’s squad while Sebastian Herrera’s return from injury give Sacramento three strong forward options to call on. As the side looks for a second consecutive first-place finish in the West and vies for the Players’ Shield, Cicerone can likely afford to be patient in his return to avoid any further setbacks.