The Red Bulls received good news on the attacking front this week, as forward Fabian Espindola is expected to be available for selection this weekend when the Red Bulls Face D.C. United Saturday at 7:00 PM (watch live on MSG2).
Espindola, who has missed action since suffering a hamstring injury following the Mar. 23 match against the Montreal Impact, has trained with the team all week and is ready to make his return. His role, whether as a starter or sub, remains the looming question.
“He’ll be available healthy wise to be selected for the 18,” head coach Mike Petke said after Wednesday’s training session at Montclair State University. “Whether he starts or not depends on the next couple of days.”
The Argentinean striker fired out of the gate early for the Red Bulls in the first match of the season against Portland, registering a brace en route to a 3-3 draw at JELD-WEN Field. His return is a welcome one for Petke and company, as the obvious addition of firepower adds more depth to the attacking options this weekend.
And the same can be said of Henry, who continues to take the slow-and-steady approach to his return from a left knee MCL sprain. Henry has subbed on in the past two matches, registering one goal against the Philadelphia Union and came within a post shot of doing the same against the Fire in this past weekend’s 3-1 loss at Toyota Park. Regardless, heading into a match against a rival like D.C. with extra attacking options available to choose from is a welcome scenario for Petke.
“It’s a good problem to have, especially against a team like D.C. where we think hopefully we could get after them a little bit,” Petke said. “It’d be nice to have the quality that we have all healthy.”
The Red Bulls take on D.C. United for the second time this season when they face off at RFK Stadium Saturday at 7:00 PM. In the previous meeting on Mar. 16, the two sides played to a scoreless but exciting draw filled with bountiful scoring opportunities for the Red Bulls as they registered a point in the home opener at Red Bull Arena.
New York returns home to host Sporting KC on Weds., Apr. 17, for a 7:30 PM kick off. Get your tickets now at Red Bulls Ticket Central, or by calling 877.RB.SOCCER.
