COMMERCE CITY, Colo. -- Martin Rivero was back to his usual self in Saturday night’s 2-0 win against Chivas, creating opportunities and establishing himself as the centerpiece of Colorado’s midfield.
Then, in the 44th minute, the dynamic attacking midfielder crumpled to the ground in a heap of pain and had to be substituted shortly afterwards.
The Argentine left the game with a right foot injury, the same foot that he broke in January, leaving the Rapids fearful post-game.
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“It’s sad. He’s obviously upset with the situation,” Rapids head coach Oscar Pareja said post-game. “I thought he was getting in a rhythm, and we all let him carry the team, and he’s taking that responsibility. But we hope that it’s nothing. It was a long period when he was hurt. Now, we need to wait. I hope it’s nothing.”
Rivero suffered a so-called Jones fracture of the fifth metatarsal of his right foot (at the base of the small toe) in a late January preseason game, forcing him out of action for nearly three months before his April return. The 23-year-old had started each of his last three games, but that streak appears to now be in jeopardy.
OPTA Chalkboard: Rivero hard at work in his distribution during the first half vs. Chivas
Rivero gingerly walked out of the locker room under his own power without speaking to reporters post-game. The midfielder will undergo an x-ray on Sunday, with results expected back on Monday.
If Rivero is out for an extended period of time once again, it would be a major blow for the streaking Rapids, who have collected 11 points (3-0-2) in their last five games.
“He said he didn’t feel any pop or contusion there,” Pareja said. “He just started just feeling that pain there, and that concerned us a lot. But we wait. We’re praying that Martin is not hurt.”
Chris Bianchi covers the Colorado Rapids for MLSsoccer.com.
