UPPER MONTCLAIR, N.J. – The New York Red Bulls will have to get by without one of their more influential players for a little while longer.
Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke told reporters Wednesday that Dax McCarty is unlikely to play in next week's game against the Montreal Impact as the midfielder continues to recover from a minor tear in his right quad.
McCarty – who missed this past weekend’s 2-1 victory over Toronto FC and was always expected to be out for the upcoming clash with the Columbus Crew – suffered the knock in New York’s 4-1 win over the New England Revolution on April 20.
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“I’m not counting on him for Montreal,” said Petke. “It would be a huge plus and a bonus if we had him but I’m not counting on him that quick, to be honest with you. I think it would be stupid, unless I’m told by the doctors, ‘He’s absolutely fine,’ to bring him back that quick.
“He just had a slight tear and I was told two to two-and-a-half weeks and I believe that is around the Montreal game, so he still needs to get back in a little bit of fitness and get back with the team. I don’t project it.”
While McCarty may not be ready for that May 8 home game vs. the Impact, he could potentially suit up for the Red Bulls’ road fixture against the Revolution three days later. Petke, however, said that depends on the feedback he gets from the team doctors.
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“It could be reasonable but then again I have to talk to the medical staff to see if turf has any impact on the injury he has,” said Petke. “I know it’s a muscle injury and I think that’s more of a possibility.”
McCarty, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Tuesday, has played every minute of each of the nine games he has appeared in this season, netting two goals as well as one assist.
Franco Panizo covers the New York Red Bulls for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached by e-mail at Franco8813@gmail.com
