Photo by ISIphotos.com
by GIANFRANCO PANIZO
You can add Los Angeles Galaxy defender Sean Franklin to the list of defenders who have been bitten by the injury bug during the United States Men's National Team camp. Franklin, who was poised to earn his first cap with the National Team, had suffered a lower abdominal strain earlier in the week and has now been ruled out of the Sweden friendly on January 24 after failing to show signs of recovery.
Defenders Clarence Goodson and Chad Marshall and midfielder Geoff Cameron are other players who have been ruled out of the exhibition match next week due to injuries. Defender Cory Gibbs, who turned 29 just two days ago, also withdrew from the camp but did so for personal reasons and not because of an injury.
If you're confused as to who is still on the roster for the United States' first match of 2009 then here is the list of players that remain:
GOALKEEPERS (4): Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Will Hesmer (Columbus Crew), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Matt Pickens (Colorado Rapids)
DEFENDERS (6): Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland), Jason Hernandez (San Jose Earthquakes), Ugo Ihemelu (Colorado Rapids) Chris Wingert (Real Salt Lake), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Brian Carroll (Columbus Crew), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Jack Jewsbury (Kansas City Wizards), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), John Thorrington (Chicago Fire)
FORWARDS (4): Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire)
*(Sacha Kljestan is supposedly expected to return state-side in time for the Sweden match.)
With Franklin, the 2008 Rookie of the Year, heading back to Los Angeles to treat his injury another void is created by his absence. Sure, Jonathan Bornstein and Marvell Wynne appear to be locks to start on the outside but the middle part of the defense could prove to be the weakest link.
What do you think of Franklin missing out on the Sweden match? Disappointed? Think Danny Califf and (fill in the blank) can get the job done against Henrik Larsson and co? Think Bob Bradley should call in a replacement defender? If so, who?
Share your thoughts below.