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What first appeared to be a fictional story of an injury concocted to cover-up a dust-up between a player and coach is looking more and more like a real injury and real problem for the New York Red Bulls.
Red Bulls defender Rafa Marquez is nursing a calf injury and is questionable for the Red Bulls’ second leg against D.C. United in the Eastern Conference semifinals on Wednesday, and will likely be a game-time decision.
Marquez suffered his latest calf injury in the waning moments of the first half of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at RFK Stadium.
The timing of Marquez’s departure from Saturday’s match looked suspicious because it came right after a visible argument between Marquez and Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe at the end of the first half, but Backe has insisted the injury was what upset Marquez.
If Marquez does not play, Heath Pearce could slide over to centerback and Roy Miller or Wilman Conde can play out on the left side of the defense. Other, but less likely, options include starting Digao or Stephen Keel next to Markus Holgersson.
What do you think of Marquez possibly missing Wednesday’s game? Can the Red Bulls defense play well and shutout United without him? Who should fill in for him if he doesn’t play?
Share your thoughts below.