[WPS] Saint Louis Athletica captain Lori Chalupny, capped 92 times for the USA, has taken an indefinite leave of absence to deal with concussion-related issues. She will miss the USA’s trip to the Algarve Cup in Portugal for the first time in six years.

Chalupny is expected to miss the start of Athletica’s training camp, which is set to begin on March 1. No definitive timeline has been set for her return.

“I am taking some time off so I can get some additional testing done for these concussion-related issues,” said Chalupny. “I need to go through this process now to insure my health for the future. I certainly don’t like the idea of missing a tournament like the Algarve Cup, or missing any time with Athletica. I just need to get some rest and take care of these issues.”

Chalupny appeared in and started 18 games for Saint Louis in 2009, scoring two goals and adding one assist.

“We wish Lori all the best, and we hope she returns to us quickly,” said Athletica coach Jorge Barcellos. “Chalupny is a special player, and a special person. She is a leader by example for our team.”

Chalupny was sidelined for the first half of the 2006 season with a concussion and was sidelined for one game at the 2008 Olympics after suffering a concussion in the opener.