UPPER MONTCLAIR, N.J. – Injuries could be a concern once again for Thierry Henry this week as the New York Red Bulls striker tries to overcome a nagging issue with his Achilles that makes him a question mark heading into the team's clash against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.
Head coach Hans Backe seemed upset over the condition on Monday, knowing full well that Henry already missed the club’s game on March 26 in Columbus with a hamstring injury.
“He has a problem with the Achilles,” Backe told MLSsoccer.com. “It is something that is day by day, week by week with him. It’s a problem, definitely. Last week, he was flying around in training. Tuesday, Thursday trainings, all smiles. And then he looked really, really shot. It’s very hard for him.”
Henry was noticeably quiet this past Saturday in the Red Bulls' 1-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park, but still logged the full 90 minutes. Henry has yet to score for the Red Bulls this season and last scored in league play last Sept. 21 in a win over Colorado.
He was hampered by injuries late last season and missed the opener of New York's Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Earthquakes. He came on during the final minutes of the Quakes' 3-1 win at Red Bull Arena in the series finale, which eliminated New York from the postseason.
“We just have to take it day by day, but it’s concerning, yes,” Backe said. “It’s a problem, yes, and he’s getting treatment for it. But it’s not a question about getting any surgery, so that’s good. We’ll just have to see if and when he can train this week.”
Kristian R. Dyer can be followed at twitter.com/KristianRDyer
