Nimfasha Berchimas injury update and recovery timeline

By Andrew Crowell

Nimfasha Berchimas (Photo courtesy of CLTFC)

Recently, the 18 year-old starlet winger, Nimfasha Berchimas, sustained an injury to his foot while featuring for the USYNT U-20 match against El Salvador last week. Charlotte FC confirmed last week that the young American suffered a fracture to his 5th metatarsal. During yesterday's mid-week presser, Dean Smith mentioned Berchimas underwent a successful surgery.

The 5th metatarsal in the foot is the long outer bone of your foot that connects your pinky toe to the rest of your foot. Fractures to this bone often occur when one rolls their ankle or sustains any force involving rotation/twisting during sports. 

There are three classifications of fracture to this bone, the first being a ‘mid shaft fracture’ which often occurs from a traumatic blow or twisting force. The second classification is known as a Jones Fracture and occurs in an area of the fifth metatarsal that receives less blood flow than the surrounding areas. This has many consequences as far as healing goes, as blood flow is necessary for healing.

Jones fractures are often caused by repetitive stress or overuse injuries. They aren’t as common as the final classification, which is an avulsion fracture. Avulsion fractures are by far the most common type of 5th metatarsal fracture and occur when a small portion of bone is pulled off by a tendon or ligament. This is the main fracture type that happens when one rolls their ankle. 

Prognosis for Berchimas depends on severity and fracture type. If the fractured bone is not displaced, recovery will take six to eight weeks. Since Berchimas underwent surgery, his injury suggests a displaced fracture, in which case return to regular activities takes three to four months with physical therapy usually recommended to restore mobility and prepare for return to sports. 

While Berchimas has not broken into first team minutes this season, he remains an elite prospect for The Crown and the hope is that he will be back in training as soon as possible. 

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor and none of my work should be taken as medical advice. All opinions are my own.