CARSON, Calif. — Injuries have ravaged Chivas USA and now suspensions will take a bite out of Robin Fraser’s lineup ahead of their match against the New York Red Bulls on Sunday (7 pm ET; Galavision).
But it’s not all doom and gloom for the Rojiblancos as the club may get one key player back from injury.
Midfielder Michael Lahoud is available to play having been free of concussion symptoms for a week. Team officials confirmed to MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday that Lahoud was cleared by team doctors last Thursday and had been partaking in training since Friday without symptoms.
“He’s coming along,” Chivas USA head Robin Fraser told MLSsoccer.com. “With concussions, it’s a day-by-day thing until they finally feel better, and it seems like he’s at the point that he feels a bit better.”
In an effort to protect players from lingering concussion issues, MLS implemented new rules this year that restrict players from rushing back after such an injury. Players must train a full week without symptoms and then be cleared by a neurologist before they can return to full action.
Lahoud played 90 minutes in the Goats' 3-2 reserve league defeat at Seattle on Monday night.
It was Lahoud’s first action since suffering the concussion in the first half of Chivas' 0-0 draw at Vancouver on April 16. Prior to the injury, Lahoud had started three straight matches for the Rojiblancos at right back, where he had been praised by Fraser for his solid performances.
With Andrew Boyens suspended after receiving a red card in the Goats' loss to RSL last weekend, it is likely Lahoud will slide into the right back position against the Red Bulls. Rookie Zarek Valentin to move into center back alongside Heath Pearce.
“We have a couple of possibilities in the back line, and over the next few days, we’ll have to decide what is best,” Fraser said.
Adam Serrano covers Chivas USA for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at adam.m.serrano@gmail.com and on Twitter: @adamserrano
