Good bits of news on the injury front have been few and far between for the Seattle Sounders this year. Some may finally be on the horizon.
Left back Leo González was able to play 90 minutes in Tuesday’s win over the San Jose Earthquakes in US Open Cup action and right back Adam Johansson (above) traveled with the Sounders for Saturday’s match against New England (7:30 pm ET; watch LIVE online). Head coach Sigi Schmid even went so far as to say Johansson “should have a chance to play” against the Revs.
If both González and Johansson are able to start, it would mark just the second time that’s happened this year and the first since April 28 against the Chicago Fire.
Mixed in, though, is some seemingly ominous news that goalkeeper Michael Gspurning was downgraded from “doubtful” to “out” on this week’s injury report. Nevertheless, Schmid said there was positive progress there as well.
“His recovery this week has actually been very good,” Schmid said, adding that the change in status was more procedural as there was no chance Gspurning was ready to play this week. “He’s increased his running – it’s been increased every day. The exercises he’s been doing, the total workout time has been increased every day. He feels good. He feels sore from doing the workout, but not sore as it relates to the injury, so we’re very encouraged about that. He’s made good strides.
“So when we get back, we think next week then becomes a week where he can work with [goalkeeper coach] Tommy Dutra and then we’ll have a better idea of how much longer it should take.”
Schmid also said Steve Zakuani is moving toward a return. Although the left-sider made an appearance on the game day roster against Sporting Kansas City two weeks back, he was not included in the games against the Portland Timbers and Earthquakes.
“Because of the hard work he does, he needs to plateau a little bit again, and then we’ll push again,” Schmid said.
Jeremiah Oshan covers the Seattle Sounders for MLSsoccer.com and SB Nation.
