The Seattle Sounders’ depth will get an early test after it was revealed that several likely starters were declared out for Saturday’s season-opener against LAFC.
The most surprising inclusion on the injury report was Albert Rusnák, who had been training all week but was given a ‘questionable’ designation. It was later reported that Rusnák picked up an ankle injury during the team’s final training session and would not participate in the match.
🚨🚨🚨ALBERT RUSNÁK OUT OF LAFC GAME 🚨🚨🚨
— Paulo Alves Jr. (aka PJ) (@PauloAlvesJr_) February 23, 2024
Rusnak suffered an ankle injury today during the last training session before the LAFC game.
He should be reevaluated on the return to Seattle. pic.twitter.com/14rETAeiQu
Also expected to miss the match are goalkeeper Stefan Frei (right hamstring), João Paulo (left hamstring) and Yeimar Gomez Andrade (fitness). Pedro de la Vega was also listed as questionable, but he has at least been training all week and his availability was unknown.
Andrew Thomas would seemingly be the obvious choice to replace Frei. Nathan has been starting throughout preseason, which makes his inclusion rather straightforward and Obed Vargas has been training with the starters through most of the week as well.
The bigger question is how the Sounders will replace Rusnák. One option would be to slide over Cristian Roldan from his normal right midfield spot. If de la Vega is deemed fit to start, it would also clear the path for him to make his debut.
Otherwise, that leaves the Sounders with several options. Raúl Ruidíaz could start at forward and slide Morris back to right midfield. Paul Rothrock has also been been getting some time with the starters, which could put him in line for his first MLS start.
