New York Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke isn’t making any promises, but he did hint that there is a chance midfielder Tim Cahill could see some minutes this upcoming weekend during a Tuesday conference call with members of the media.
“He seems to be doing pretty well,” Petke said. “You saw him on the bench, obviously, this past Saturday. We didn't want to use him unless we absolutely had to."
Thanks to a 2-0 win over Toronto FC, the Red Bulls did not need to rely on Cahill as a spark off the bench. His inclusion in the 18 was already a significant step, especially when you consider the initial prognosis stated an expected recovery time of three to four weeks.
With that said, Cahill has missed the last two matches due to a torn ankle ligament, an injury he sustained during the Red Bulls’ 2-1 victory over D.C. United on Aug. 31. Despite obvious pain, Cahill played on through the injury, recording an assist on Lloyd Sam’s goal and adding a tally of his own in the win.
Through 22 matches this season, all of which were starts, Cahill has accounted for eight goals and four assists, placing him in a tie with forward Fabian Espindola for second most goals scored on the Red Bulls.
Now, as he works his way back into the lineup for the second time this season, Petke is confident the immediate road is a positive one for his high-flying midfielder.
"Without making predictions, it's looking good,” Petke said. “It's looking good that this is going to be a big week for him and we could possibly see him back in action."
The Red Bulls host FC Dallas Sunday at 5 PM. Get your tickets now at Red Bulls Ticket Central, or call 877.RB.SOCCER.
