Kansas City Current head coach Chris Armas confirmed that two-time reigning NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga will miss Saturday's season opener against Utah Royals. The star forward, who won league MVP and Golden Boot awards in both 2024 and 2025, remains unavailable as she recovers from an adductor injury sustained last October. Armas said Chawinga is progressing but cannot yet return to action.

Chawinga's absence creates a significant challenge for the defending NWSL Shield winners, who set a record with a 21-point margin last season behind her 15 goals. The Malawian international set the single-season scoring record in 2024 with 20 regular-season goals in her debut NWSL campaign. Kansas City signed forward Penelope Hocking from Bay FC this week for $350,000 to help fill the void.

Armas acknowledged the team must adapt without Chawinga and former starter Bia Zaneratto, who departed for Palmeiras. Forward Michelle Cooper also began the season on the injury list. The Current's depth will be tested immediately as they face a Utah Royals team that upset them in last November's quarterfinal. Armas emphasized the need for versatility among remaining attackers, including U.S. international Ally Sentnor, as Kansas City attempts to defend their status as one of the league's top teams.