Rapinoe has 'minor' hamstring strain, expects to play in final

Megan Rapinoe expects to play in Sunday's World Cup final.

A surprise absence from the U.S. lineup for Tuesday's victory over England, the 33-year-old told reporters after the match that she's dealing with a "minor" hamstring strain.

"I'll be ready for the final," she said, according to Andrew Das of The New York Times. "It's just a little hard, three days on the bounce, for this old body."

Rapinoe, who turns 34 on Friday, joined her teammates on the pitch for pregame warmups on Tuesday but didn't partake in any of the drills.

The USWNT co-captain has five goals this summer in France, including four in the knockout stage. Starting in her place in Lyon, Christen Press scored the opener in the 2-1 triumph against the Lionesses.

Assuming she's fully recovered for Sunday's showpiece contest against either Sweden or the Netherlands, Rapinoe will likely assume her usual position on the left side of the United States' potent attacking trio.