Red Bulls lineup in flux after World Cup layoff

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 25 Juni 2014 | 20.49

With the MLS midseason World Cup break over, the Red Bulls get back in action Friday against Toronto, not knowing just how many of their missing starters they will get back. Some, but clearly not all.

The Red Bulls fielded a decimated squad in their last league game in New England, and somehow won 2-0 despite not having starters Tim Cahill, Roy Miller, Thierry Henry, Jamison Olave and Dax McCarty. Henry and Olave are expected to be available against Toronto, McCarty and Miller won't, and Cahill — whose Australia team played its last World Cup match on Monday — is a game-time decision.

The most concerning news is the absence of McCarty. The holding midfielder has struggled with back and leg injuries. It was initially hoped he might recover over the break, but now he is ruled out for Friday's game and the Red Bulls aren't certain he can be back July 4 against Houston.

"The only one right now as far as injuries go is Dax. It doesn't look like Dax will be available. He's progressing, he's getting better, but he's not where we need him to be to make an impact,'' said coach Mike Petke. "We're really eyeing the Houston game on the 4th, but that's not [certain].''

They'll take solace in the return of Henry, their captain and offensive leader.

"All along Thierry has been here since Monday, and did double days in Brazil with the trainer we sent there,'' Petke said of Henry, who skipped the New England game because of Gillette Stadium's artificial turf, did Brazil TV work during the break then went to Brazil. "He's had a great week of practice so far.''

Miller plays for Costa Rica, which clinched a berth in the Round of 16, making Miller unavailable. With the Aussies eliminated, Cahill – suspended for their last game Monday – could be. Emphasis on could.

"Tim, I haven't heard about his exact arrival time. I wouldn't expect him back until [Wednesday] night at the earliest. If that's the case, he's in practice the day before the game,'' said Petke. "Even though he didn't play the last game, just the travel time alone, to just insert him in the lineup, that's a decision we have to make when we see him coming back.

"Tim always wants to play, but the fact of the matter is as coach and as a staff we have to look at any aspects of it, we have to look at travel schedule, the guys that've been practicing.''

Petke said he hadn't been contacted by Sydney FC about the Australian club's reported pursuit of Cahill, acknowledging those questions would be better suited for sporting director Andy Roxburgh.

"I've heard the reports, but I've also read a million reports," Petke said. "There's no doubt in my mind teams in Australia would be interested in Tim, as would teams all over the world. He's shown he has what it takes. It's flattering for Tim and flattering for Red Bull. But he's a Red Bull player right now.

"I haven't been contacted or told about any contact. Would I want lose Tim early? Of course not. He's a valuable part of the team and huge part of our success in winning the Supporters' Shield last year. I've never made my admiration for a player like Tim a secret. At end of the day, it's not my decision. It's partly Tim's and partly the organization's.''


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