BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – The injury that sidelined Thierry Henry midway through Sunday night’s scoreless draw against the Chicago Fire likely isn’t serious, according to New York’s prized Designated Player.
Henry was subbed out of the match at Toyota Park for Dane Richards during stoppage time of the first half for a strained groin, but he downplayed the severity of the injury.
“I’ll be fine. It was just precaution,” Henry said. “I actually did not ask to go out, but I think the bench thought I wasn’t right and they decided to take me out.”
Henry managed two shots and one of New York’s seven shots on goal before he was subbed out of the match.
“The same [injury] happened against Man. City [on July 25] and I had to come off,” Henry said. “The guys out there are all fully fit, and it is not easy to try to get fit, but I’m going to try to do it as quick as I can.”
Fellow Designated Player Rafael Márquez made his MLS debut in Sunday’s draw, logging a steady 61 minutes in the central midfield before he was subbed out for Seth Stammler.
[inline_node:315406]“I felt good,” said Márquez, who officially joined the club last Monday after a brief layoff following Mexico’s appearance in the World Cup. “I know I’m not at 100 percent physically, but that will come with time. I was anxious to play and I’m happy I got to do so but again, I know I’m not where I know I can be.”
Márquez was greeted to raucous applause during the pregame introductions, a sure sign that his accomplished career with Barcelona and as captain of El Tri resonates not just with Mexican fans, but with a larger group delighted his career path has led to MLS.
“The fans have always been good to me, and I think they show respect for what I’ve done abroad and with my national team,” he said. “And today they again showed their support for me.”
Márquez now joins Mexico for their friendly against Spain on Wednesday. He is expected to make his home debut with the Red Bulls on Saturday against the LA Galaxy.
