Sports

Red Bulls’ Tainio out 4-6 weeks, Conde out one

The injury bug hit the Red Bulls as they prepare for tomorrow’s game at Columbus. Midfielder Teemu Tainio will miss at least a month with a knee injury, while centerback Wilman Conde will sit out the Crew game with a groin injury.

“Teemu has a ligament. Unfortunately I would guess four-to-six weeks,’’ said head coach Hans Backe. “(Conde), it’s a little bit strange with his groin. His ankle is ok, but he can’t really hit the ball. Normally, he should be in for next weekend.’’

The team officially termed Tainio’s injury a knee sprain. Dax McCarty will get an extended run in central midfield now, next to Rafa Marquez , who worked with the first team and appears recovered from his own groin pull.

The loss of Conde will thrust Stephen Keel back into the Starting XI. As much as Conde’s defense will be missed, it’s his distribution that may haunt the Red Bulls. They mustered just a single goal in the first two games, as he sat out due to fitness/ankle issues. They erupted for a club-record nine in his two starts since.

“I hope we can sort it out,’’ said Backe. “We did a little bit in training today to build a different way.’’

Another thing Backe hopes to sort out is their flank play. Joel Lindpere and Dane Richards combined for 14 goals and 14 assists last year, but haven’t registered in either category this season.

Mehdi Ballouchy is the only Red Bull other than Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper to score, tallying a sublime backheel last weekend, and the much-maligned Moroccan could get the nod over Lindpere on the left.