There's never an opportune time to get injured. But for Los Angeles Galaxy right back Chris Albright, the timing couldn't have been worse.
Albright was invited to the U.S. national team training camp this winter in preparation for a series of friendlies building up the FIFA World Cup beginning in June. But while in camp, Albright injured his knee, costing him a chance to impress U.S. national team manager Bruce Arena.
It isn't the first time an untimely injury cost the 27-year-old time with the national team. Last summer, Albright seemed to be a shoo-in to make the CONCACAF Gold Cup roster. Again, an injury suffered just before the tournament cost him a place with the team.
"It's frustrating. It's a big year and a big time in my career," said Albright about his most recent injury. "But I can't think about that. You have to put the negative behind you and just work on recovery."
With the World Cup looming, Albright knows that his chances to impress on the field are growing more and more limited. However, he does have one thing working in his favor: Arena's final World Cup roster will include not only the most talented team available, but will also be a collection of players that fit into the overall chemistry and mold that Arena is trying to build.
Having played for Arena both in college at the University of Virginia then at the beginning of his pro career with D.C. United, Arena knows all about the intangibles that Albright possesses.
"Bruce knows what I bring to the table," Albright said. "He's got a lot of guys to sort through and he's done a good job of putting together successful teams in the past. I trust that he'll make the decisions that are best for the team and I hope I fit into those plans."
Right now, all Albright can do is get himself back to full fitness and impress with his club side. He will get his first chance on Wednesday, when the Galaxy travel to Costa Rica for the return leg of their quarterfinal matchup with Deportivo Saprissa in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup. The two clubs played to a scoreless draw in the first leg at The Home Depot Center last week.
The match will be a good barometer of how well Albright had recovered for a pair of reasons. Obviously, the talent and attacking mentality of Saprissa will put pressure on him right from the start, but Saprissa plays their home games on FieldTurf, which will provide another test for just how fit Albright's knee really is.
"When you come back from injuries like this the actual injury is fine -- it's just nagging soreness coming back. I'm feeling good and close to 100 percent," Albright said. "If we feel that I'm ready, I'm going to go and give as much as I can. Hopefully that's the case."
The Galaxy will need a big effort from Albright as well as the rest of the team if they intend to advance to the final four in the regional championship. A victory in the hostile confines of Estadio Saprissa against a very confident team would provide a huge boost to the Galaxy's confidence heading into the season, and could be the stepping stone Albright needs to play him way back into the national team picture.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
