Red Bull New York defender Justin Che will be sidelined for an unspecified period due to a hamstring injury.

It was clear that something was wrong when Che clutched his hamstring late in New York’s 1-1 draw last Saturday against Toronto FC. He was replaced by Tim Parker in the 92nd minute, six minutes before Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting secured a last-gasp equalizer at BMO Field.

On Thursday, head coach Michael Bradley confirmed that Che will miss this Saturday’s away match against Charlotte FC.

“Justin will be out for the weekend, and we’ll provide a better update at some point when there’s more clarity,” Bradley said. “We’re still working with our medical team and trying to make sure that we’re on top of it in the best possible way,”

Che has settled in nicely at the heart of the Red Bulls’ backline after arriving from Danish side Brøndby in December. The 22-year-old started in each of New York’s four matches to open the 2026 MLS regular season, playing in a total of 359 minutes.

Bradley Provides Nealis Update Ahead of Saturday’s Match

In better news for the Red Bulls, defender Dylan Nealis is closing in on a return to match action. It’s possible that the 27-year-old could make the starting XI for Saturday’s trip to Bank of America Stadium, but Bradley and the club are taking a wait-and-see approach.

“Dylan is making good progress,” Bradley said. “We’ll see how he’s doing over the next couple of days.”

Nealis is listed as questionable on the MLS Player Availability Report due to an ankle injury. Should he be given the green light to start, it’s likely that either Robert Voloder or Parker plays alongside him at center-back.

Saturday’s match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. The Red Bulls will look to grab three points to enter the break on a high note. After facing Charlotte, New York returns home on April 4 against FC Cincinnati.

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