
Keaton Parks
CM
Ball-Winning Midfielder
Aug 6, 1997 (29)
Right
6'4"
179 lb
Remains sidelined
Parks (leg) is out for Wednesday's game against New England.
Analysis: Parks hasn't played since exiting the match against Toronto FC on Aug. 29, and this will be his second consecutive absence. No timeline has been provided for Parks' return, but the midfielder is also in danger of missing the Saturday match against Real Salt Lake due to the quick turnaround. With Parks sidelined, expect Aiden O'Neill to potentially be in line for more minutes in midfield alongside Andres Perea.
Picks up knock against Toronto
Parks left the field due to a potential injury during the 77th minute of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Toronto.
Analysis: Parks was able to walk off the pitch but was signaling discomfort since a few minutes before his substitution in Saturday's clash. This issue makes the midfielder's participation in upcoming games a doubt as the severity of the problem remains undisclosed. He had recently made three starts in the last four MLS contests, and his potential loss would add yet another blow to an injury-plagued squad that could therefore resort to youngster Jonathan Shore.
Available despite surgery
Parks suffered a broken hand against New England but is already back in training and will be available to face Toronto FC on Saturday, according to manager Pascal Jansen.
Analysis: Parks showed his grit and strength after sustaining a broken hand, getting immediate surgery and planning to play through it. This is huge for NYCFC, as Parks is a regular starter in midfield in a team that's also dealing with a severe injury crisis. Look for Parks to remain in his regular midfield role going forward.
Returns in Leagues Cup
Parks (leg) played 68 minutes in Thursday's 2-1 Leagues Cup loss to Necaxa, confirming he is back fit, the club posted.
Analysis: Parks had recently returned to full training after a delayed recovery that kept him out of matches against Columbus and Chicago, with Jonathan Shore seeing increased playing time in his absence. His extended run of minutes in this match now confirms his recovery is complete, positioning him to reclaim his regular role in midfield for New York City FC.
Returns to full training
Parks (leg) is back in full training, according to Glenn Crooks.
Analysis: Parks had been considered on the verge of returning before missing matches against Columbus and Chicago, continuing a delayed timeline that now appears to be resolving, with Jonathan Shore having seen increased playing time in his absence. The midfielder's range of passing and defensive work rate make him an important piece in the middle of the park once fully back involved. Parks is expected to be reintegrated into the lineup as New York City FC continues its preparations for Leagues Cup play.
Not ready for Toronto game
Parks (leg) is still not ready for Friday's clash against Toronto FC, according to the club.
Analysis: Parks had been considered on the verge of returning to training before missing the match against Columbus and the subsequent game against Chicago, and this latest absence continues that delayed timeline. Jonathan Shore figures to see increased playing time in his place, and Parks' path back into the squad will be worth monitoring as New York City FC will head into their Leagues Cup preparations.
Not ready to return
Parks (leg) is out for Saturday's game against the Fire.
Analysis: Parks didn't play in midweek against Columbus despite being considered on the verge of returning to training, and the quick turnaround means he'll also miss the matchup against Chicago. Parks' next chance to play will come against Toronto FC on Friday, July 31, before the start of the 2026 Leagues Cup.
Set to rejoin training soon
Parks (groin) is set to rejoin training soon but remains a doubt for Wednesday's clash against Columbus Crew, according to the NY Soccer Journal.
Analysis: Parks was a late withdrawal from the starting lineup for the US Open Cup match against Columbus after suffering a groin issue just before kickoff, with no further details provided on the severity at the time before the World Cup break. His expected imminent return to training is an encouraging sign, though his status for Wednesday remains uncertain, with Andres Perea to see a larger midfield role if Parks cannot be cleared in time.
Late scratch Wednesday
Parks (groin) was a late withdrawal from the starting XI for Wednesday's US Open Cup defeat against Columbus due to injury, according to coach Pascal Jansen, per Scott Churchson of Stream Punk.
Analysis: Parks suffered a groin issue just before the kickoff Wednesday and no further details have been provided yet on the severity of the problem, leaving his availability for Saturday's clash against Nashville uncertain. Andres Perea or Aiden O'Neill (ankle) if fit are expected to take on larger roles in the midfield if Parks cannot be cleared in time, with the club set to assess his condition over the coming days before making a final call on his involvement at the weekend.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare