Tim Cahill has been an iron man for the Red Bulls. Coach Mike Petke gushed earlier this week the Aussie midfielder could “play through anything.” But with the hamstrung Cahill unable to practice Thursday, it appears even his vaunted recuperative powers won’t get him ready in time for Saturday’s game at DC.
“He’s not out here [Thursday], it’s two days before the game. An intelligent person would probably assume that he wouldn’t be starting, and very well assume that he wouldn’t be traveling either,’’ Petke acknowledged. “Again, not to rule anything out, but he hasn’t trained in a while. [Friday] will be the last training session before, so I guess people can do the math.’’
Cahill missed last weekend’s 2-2 draw in Montreal due to a mild hamstring strain. Petke had expressed guarded optimism that Cahill might be able to play a role off the bench against archrival United. But with the 34-year-old Cahill not even participating in practice on Thursday, that seems highly unlikely.
Right back Richard Eckersley is out. Costa Rican left back Roy Miller participated fully in practice and should be available.
“I’m fine,” Miller said. “Everything is OK.’’
The Red Bulls’ backline is still injury-riddled, though, with centerback Armando jogging laps around the practice field while the rest of his teammates trained. The Spaniard is a longshot to play Saturday, leaving teenager Matt Miazga as the only natural centerback behind presumed starters Jamison Olave and Ibrahim Sekagya.
Miazga had been called up by the US Under-20 National Team, but with the Red Bulls so shorthanded at the position, Petke reached out to US U-20 coach Tab Ramos – his former MetroStars teammate – and said he couldn’t release Miazga until after the game.
“But I believe unless something else goes wrong, he will be going joining the national team Sunday after the game,” Petke said. “We need cover at the position, especially with Armando hampered, hurting. The chances of [Armando] being available this weekend are slim, so we need Miazga, which is unfortunate because I’d like him to be with the national team. But we can’t leave ourselves exposed.’’