Kemal Lawrence Gone, But Is He Ready To Play?

New York Red Bulls defender Kemar Lawrence was scheduled to depart yesterday to join Jamaica for a CONCACAF Nations League qualifier against El Salvador.

The outside back has been working toward full fitness after sustaining a knee injury. Jamaica will also face Costa Rica in a friendly during the March international break. 

Lawrence has been a lock in the Jamaica lineup for several years, starting key matches in multiple Gold Cups, World Cup Qualification, and Caribbean competitions.

The outside back has 48 caps, with three goals and six assists, including a set piece goal in the 2017 Gold Cup Semifinal to lift the Reggae Boyz over Mexico.

Of concern to Red Bull head coach Chris Armas is Lawrence's medical status and fitness level, and to what extent Jamaica's head coach Theodore Whitmore intends to use Lawrence in Jamaica's upcoming games.

To date Lawrence hasn't suited up for any Red Bull MLS league games, or their recently played CONCACAF Champions League matches