Red Bull New York head coach Michael Bradley offered an update on defender Justin Che, who has been sidelined since he suffered a hamstring injury on March 14 against Toronto FC.
Che hobbled off in the 92nd minute, clutching his hamstring, five minutes before veteran forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting secured a 1-1 draw for the Red Bulls by delivering a last-gasp 97th-minute equalizer at BMO Field.
Che Progressing From Hamstring Injury, Remains Weeks Away
Bradley said that Che is making progress. The 22-year-old defender has returned to training but is still weeks away from returning to match action.
“Justin is still going to need a few more weeks,” Bradley explained during Friday’s media availability. “He is back on the field, doing well, but we’re going to make sure that we give him the time so that he is strong and 100 percent.”
Nealis-Voloder Expected To Start in Central Defense Against CF Montréal
speaks with the press. (Photo courtesy of Red Bull New York)
Saturday’s match against CF Montréal will come too early for Che, but if all goes well, he might be able to target an early May return to the Red Bull lineup.
Since arriving from Danish Superliga side Brøndby, Che has started four MLS matches and logged a total of 359 minutes played.
Dylan Nealis and Robert Voloder are expected to continue their central defense partnership on Saturday at Stadium Saputo.
Gustav Berggren started at center-back against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in Wednesday’s 3-1 U.S. Open Cup victory. He performed admirably alongside Voloder, with Nealis being rested.
Roald Mitchell Recovering After Head Injury vs Pittsburgh
Bradley also provided an update on 23-year-old forward Roald Mitchell, who was replaced in the 69th minute after suffering a head injury against the Riverhounds.
Mitchell collided head-to-head with Pittsburgh defender Lasse Kelp in the 64th minute. He has already returned to participating in some on-field work, which is an encouraging sign.
“Roald is doing pretty well,” Bradley said. “Roald is working through some different things with our medical staff. He was on the field a little bit today, so again, nothing serious at all.
“Obviously, whenever there’s a situation like that, the first thought is always just making sure that both players are okay. There were no serious or lingering effects for Roald. We’ll see where he is over the next day or two and get him back with the group pretty quickly.”
Saturday’s match against CF Montréal will kick off at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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