TUKWILA, Wash. — Seattle's injury woes are showing little sign of diminishing ahead of their upcoming rivalry game against the Portland Timbers on Saturday (11 pm ET; ESPN2/Deportes).
Brad Evans (quadriceps) and Mauro Rosales (hamstring) are fighting to regain fitness ahead of Saturday, and losing either player would be a blow to the injury-ridden Sounders, who have already seen Steve Zakuani (broken leg) and O’Brian White (blood clot) sidelined for extended periods.
“We have to see,” coach Sigi Schmid said after Monday’s training session. “Today was obviously an easy day for them — a regeneration day. We feel pretty confident Brad should be able to go on Saturday. With Mauro, we have to see. Probably his chances are a little less."
There was a chance of Evans playing last Saturday against Columbus, but the former Crew player failed his pregame fitness test. Three days earlier, Evans converted from the penalty spot against D.C. United, accounting for Seattle’s only goal. Since moving to the right midfield, Evans has three goals and one assist in two matches.
Rosales aggravated a hamstring injury in a substitute appearance against DC on Wednesday. The Argentine playmaker trained lightly Monday night before the club’s reserve match. His status will be evaluated as the week moves on.
Evans has tallied four goals and one assist for the Sounders this season. Rosales has provided three assists in 383 minutes and has proven to be a useful player, having played multiple positions.
Andrew Winner covers the Seattle Sounders for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on Twitter @AndrewWinnerMLS
