LUKAS MACNAUGHTON NEWS

Set to return MacNaughton is returning to Nashville after his contract option for 2025 was picked up.

Impact MacNaughton struggled with injuries throughout 2024 limiting him to just six appearances (five starts.) Evidently he showed enough in that minimal role to earn a second full season with the club, as Nashville picked up his contract option.

OCTOBER 29 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to bench MacNaughton (ankle) is on the bench for Saturday's trip to Chicago.

Impact MacNaughton made it back at his last chance in the regular season, overcoming an ankle injury that sidelined him for most of the season. It remains to be seen if he's actually fit enough to play after missing almost six months.

OCTOBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Remains out injured MacNaughton (ankle) remains out and has no clear timetable for his return to action, Ben Wright of MLSSoccer.com reports.

Impact The center-back has struggled to recover from a nagging injury, and with only a few weeks left in the regular season, it doesn't seem likely that the defender will be able to return any time soon. There's a likely scenario in which MacNaughton might not return to the field before the end of the campaign, as he's still recovering and has yet to return to training in any capacity.

SEPTEMBER 12 • ROTOWIRE

Training away from group MacNaughton (ankle) was spotted in training Thursday, but he's not working with the group and is not expected to be available to face DC United on Saturday, Ben Wright of MLSSoccer...

Impact Seeing MacNaughton with the group is certainly a positive sign for Nashville, but the fact that he's yet to return to full training with a game two days away suggests he's not ready to return yet. His next chance to return will be against Orlando City on Wednesday.

JULY 11 • ROTOWIRE

Undergoes surgery MacNaughton (undisclosed) has undergone surgery and will be out for a decent amount of time, according to manager Gary Smith, per Ben Wright of Backheeled. "It ended up being a pre...

Impact MacNaughton looks to be heading for the sidelines for a while, as he has undergone surgery after being stretchered off the pitch in Saturday's loss to Miami. This is brutal news for the club and player, as he is a key part of their defense, and this will force a change, with Jack Maher most likely replacing him in the starting XI or Walker Zimmerman once he returns from his knee injury. There is no current timetable for MacNaughton's return, but he shouldn't expected to be back out on the pitch for some time, as he will just hope he returns to play this season.

APRIL 25 • ROTOWIRE

Carried off MacNaughton was carried off during the second half of Saturday's clash with Miami.

Impact MacNaughton was unable to walk as he was brought off the pitch during the second half of Saturday's match. The defender will hope to make his return sooner rather than later, but the need for a stretcher doesn't bode well. Jack Maher was brought on to replace MacNaughton.

APRIL 20 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Philadelphia MacNaughton (hip) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Philadelphia.

Impact MacNaughton is making his return Saturday as expected, having overcome a hip issue after missing the last two matches. He should continue in a starting role, as he has started in all but one contest he has been an option for this season.

APRIL 6 • ROTOWIRE

Could return Saturday MacNaughton (hip) could be available to face Philadelphia on Saturday, manager Gary Smith told media, including Ben Wright of MLSSoccer.com, on Thursday.

Impact MacNaughton has already missed three games due to injury, including the last two, but all signs point to him returning to face the Union. His return would provide a massive defensive boost for a Nashville team that's already missing Shaq Moore (hip) and Walker Zimmerman (knee).

APRIL 4 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable to play Saturday MacNaughton (hip) is questionable to play Saturday against Columbus, manager Gary Smith told Ben Wright of MLS.com.

Impact It sounds as if MacNaughton will be a true game-time decision for Saturday's matchup, though Smith already said he won't start. In any case, his availability would be excellent news for a Nashville team that already be without a prominent figure at the back in Walker Zimmerman (knee).

MARCH 28 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up hip issue MacNaughton appears to have picked up an injury, as he was held out of Saturday's match against LAFC due to hip issues.

Impact MacNaughton is the newest player to be added to the Nashville injury report, as he looks to have gone down with a hip problem in the build-up to Saturday's match after being added to the injury report. This could become a problem for the club if he misses an extended period, as the defender has started in three of the club's five matches to this point, and they are already without regular starting center-back Walker Zimmerman. The club will now look ahead to Saturday's match against Columbus for the player to return, but if he can't, expect Brent Kallman to get the start in his spot once again.

MARCH 25 • ROTOWIRE

Logs six clearances on Saturday MacNaughton created one chance and made one tackle, six clearances and one block during Saturday's 1-1 draw against Colorado.

Impact MacNaughton had another solid performance at the heart of the defense, pacing his side in clearances and prevailing against opposing forwards throughout the contest. With 15 clearances over two games, the center-back is off to a great start of campaign and, now that he's free from the physical issues that slowed him down last season, will try to consolidate himself as a undisputed starter at Nashville.

MARCH 5 • ROTOWIRE

Will stay at Nashville MacNaughton had his option picked up and will remain under contract with Nashville ahead of the 2024 MLS season, the club announced Thursday.

Impact MacNaughton made 14 starts across 16 appearances since joining Nashville in April via trade with Toronto FC. He was a decent alternative off the bench to back up Walker Zimmerman and Jack Maher. and was often the first option to feature when one of those two regulars needed time off. MacNaughton should remain a depth option at center-back for Nashville in 2024 and should see decent minutes regardless of whether he's a starter or a bench alternative.

NOVEMBER 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Listed as questionable once again MacNaughton (lower body) is questionable to play Saturday against the Red Bulls.

Impact MacNaughton has been dealing with the injury for quite some time, and this problem has caused him to miss six games in a row. Even if he's available, he's expected to be a bench option at best with both Walker Zimmerman and Jack Maher fit and available.

OCTOBER 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Not listed on injury report MacNaughton (lower body) is not listed on the injury report for Saturday's game against New England.

Impact MacNaughton has missed the last five games due to injury, and while not being mentioned in the injury report is a step in the right direction, he's not likely to enter the starting lineup right away, particularly with both Walker Zimmerman and Jack Maher being fit and available.

OCTOBER 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Upgraded to questionable MacNaughton (lower body) is questionable for Saturday's trip to Philadelphia, according to the Nashville injury report.

Impact MacNaughton was upgraded to questionable after missing a Wednesday clash with Orlando midweek. The defender could return to the starting XI immediately after starting six matches in a row before picking up this lower body injury.

OCTOBER 6, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Listed as questionable MacNaughton (lower body) is questionable for Wednesday's clash with Orlando City, according to MLS Writer Ben Wright per the Nashville availability report.

Impact MacNaughton could make his return to the pitch for the first time since Sep 3 after missing the last three matches with a lower body injury. He has been the backup center back option for both Walker Zimmerman and Jack Maher, making 13 starts in 14 appearance since arriving from Toronto earlier in the season.

OCTOBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Continues to sit out MacNaughton (lower body) will not play during Saturday's match against Seattle, according to head coach Gary Smith per MLS Writer Ben Wright.

Impact MacNaughton will miss his third match in a row with a lower body injury. Jack Maher will continue to grab the start at center back alongside Walker Zimmerman in his absence.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Three clearances in return MacNaughton recorded three clearances and two blocks in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Columbus Crew.

Impact MacNaughton brings his average clearances per match to two after recording 15 in the last seven games played. A lower body injury has kept him out of the lineup the previous two contests, but the defenders looks healthy and will continue to start at center back alongside Walker Zimmerman.

JUNE 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Crew MacNaughton is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash with Columbus.

Impact MacNaughton returns to the starting XI after missing a pair of matches with a lower body injury. Shaq Moore falls to the bench, putting MacNaughton straight into the starting XI once more.

JUNE 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Remains uncertain MacNaughton (lower body) is questionable for Wednesday's trip to Montreal, according to the Nashville injury report.

Impact MacNaughton is questionable for a second consecutive match while dealing with a lower body injury. Walker Zimmerman could make his way back from international duty and take his spot back in the starting XI if MacNaughton is ruled out.

JUNE 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable against St. Louis MacNaughton (lower body) is questionable for Saturday's clash with St. Louis, according to the Nashville injury report.

Impact MacNaughton is questionable after picking up a lower body injury against Toronto. With Walker Zimmerman on international duty there's no easy replacement for MacNaughton in the center of the defense. One possibility is Josh Bauer making his first MLS start if MacNaughton can't pass the late fitness tests.

JUNE 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Forced off against Toronto MacNaughton was forced off in the first half of Saturday's match against Toronto with an undisclosed injury.

Impact MacNaughton returned to the XI Saturday to only leave early due to injury. Nashville are in a bit of a bind with Walker Zimmerman away on international duty, though there was little mention of MacNaughton's injury after the match. If he isn't ready for the match against St. Louis, Josh Bauer could be set for his first career MLS start.

JUNE 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Saturday MacNaughton (not injury related) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash with Toronto.

Impact MacNaughton returns to the starting XI for Saturday's clash after getting his immigration status sorted out. MacNaughton takes his spot straight back in the starting XI with Walker Zimmerman sidelined due to international duty.

JUNE 10, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Misses Dallas match MacNaughton was not involved in Saturday's win over FC Dallas as he's sorting out his immigration status, Ben Wright of Broadway Sports Media reported after the game.

Impact MacNaughton is expected to be back in the squad by the Toronto FC match next weekend, but he could be return to the bench after five consecutive league starts as Walker Zimmerman has recovered from a lower body injury.

JUNE 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores with close-range header MacNaughton scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Thursday's 2-1 victory against Inter Miami CF.

Impact MacNaughton doubled Nashville's lead in the opening minutes of the second half, as the defender took advantage of a great cross from Shaq Moore to nod the ball home. This was MacNaughton's first goal of the season in what has been his fifth start over Nashville's last six contests. However, he's due back to the bench once star defender Walker Zimmerman (lower body) can be eligible to return to action, something that might happen as early as Saturday against Charlotte FC.

MAY 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE