KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Bobby Convey will miss a sixth straight match for Sporting Kansas City due to a series of calf strains. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that the Convey is expected to return for Sporting’s home match against Houston on Saturday, what would be his first appearance since May 19.
Manager Peter Vermes said after Monday’s training session that the veteran left winger will not travel to Montreal for Wednesday’s game against the Impact. Convey originally strained his left calf but then suffered a right calf strain while recovering from the original injury.
“We’ve just got to get his fitness up a little bit,” Vermes said. “That’s the biggest thing.”
OFF THE PITCH: Sitting down with Bobby Convey
Vermes also expects Paulo Nagamura, who’s made nine appearances and two starts in the midfield this season, to return soon from a right abductor strain in his groin.
“His fitness is there,” Vermes said. “ It’s getting there now. I wouldn’t say it’s 90 minutes, but maybe around 60. Hopefully, he’s going to get some serious minutes coming up now. He’s got to get back in a routine, especially after being injured for the last month.”
Central defender Lawrence Olum, who had to leave last Friday’s 1-0 loss to the Chicago Fire in the 19th minute because of a groin strain, is still being evaluated to determine how long he will be out of commission.
“We’ll see how he recovers in the next two days and then we’ll know more,” Vermes said. “Sometimes it can go quick, or it can be lingering and then they know it’s going to be a little bit longer. I don’t foresee him ready this weekend, that’s for sure.”
Matt Besler has a US Open Cup start and long relief appearance in MLS play under his belt since returning from an emergency appendectomy that sidelined him for three league games. Still, Vermes said the team is still keeping an eye on his extended recovery.
“With him, it’s just making sure that he recovers and can play in the next game,” Vermes said. “Everything’s going to have to be evaluated from game to game, based on the quick turnaround between games.”
If Besler has to sit while Olum is still out, that could mean a first league start for converted midfielder Konrad Warzycha. Warzycha has one start and two appearances in Cup play but has played only one minute of MLS action.
“We’ll put him in the group as well,” Vermes said. “If he has to, he’ll come in and make his impact.”
Steve Brisendine covers Sporting Kansas City for MLSsoccer.com.
