Frank Lampard ruled out of MLS All-Star game, replaced by Dax McCarty
Frank Lampard is an MLS All-Star. Well, he was an MLS All-Star, before he was replaced by New York Red Bulls midfielder Dax McCarty on Saturday.
Lampard has been plagued by a calf injury this season, and the 37-year-old midfielder has yet to feature for his new side, New York City FC. Since he's due to miss yet another weekend matchup, and hasn't even made his official debut, he's been given the axe from the upcoming MLS All-Star game.
In his place comes another star from New York in McCarty, the heart of the Red Bulls midfield and the club's captain. The 10-year league veteran has played in more than 100 matches for the Red Bulls, making him the team's longest-serving player.
League commissioner Don Garber initially selected Lampard as one of his two commissioner picks for the final roster. It was a strange choice, as Lampard hasn't played a single game for his new club.
Now Garber has chosen McCarty as Lampard's replacement. He will represent the city's first New York outfit against Tottenham in Denver, Colo., on Wednesday night's All-Star game.
McCarty will feature alongside a number of stars, including Sebastian Giovinco, David Villa, Steven Gerrard, and Kaka.