TUKWILA, Wash. — After aggravating a hamstring injury two weeks ago, Mauro Rosales says he’s ready to contribute to Seattle’s upcoming two-match week. Rosales completed a light day of training with the rest of the starters on Monday and should be available for selection in the Sounders’ upcoming matches vs. FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake.
“It’s OK,” Rosales said on Monday. “I think it was just a precaution that I don’t play 90 minutes for like two weeks now. I was playing for 70 minutes and it was OK. and I think it will be much better for Wednesday. I was not 100 percent, but I was feeling very good and without pain. I will try to do my best in the next game as well.”
There was concern that the Argentine’s hamstring injury, which he aggravated against D.C. United on May 4, could linger. That injury kept Rosales out of the following two matches, but he was able to start and play 69 minutes this past Saturday against Sporting Kansas City.
“It was OK,” Rosales said after the match. “I felt very good during the week. I talked with the coach and said, ‘I want to play,’ because I felt that I can. It was a good chance to play against this team and prove that I’m OK.”
After taking on Dallas at home on Wednesday night, the Sounders travel to Real Salt Lake for a Saturday evening match. With an attacking unit decimated by injury, Rosales’ availability takes on added importance. The playmaker has shown the ability to unlock defenses with creative passes and has also given good effort on the defensive side of the ball. His versatility allows him to fill gaps where needed — an added bonus.
Two other Sounders dealing with injuries — Brad Evans and Erik Friberg — trained Monday as well. Evans participated as a neutral player in a scrimmage. Friberg, who was in the 18 but did not play against Sporting Kansas City, did not appear to be limited.
Andrew Winner covers the Seattle Sounders for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewWinnerMLS
