Claudio's bruised leg

There has been a bit of confusion on what exactly happened to Claudio Reyna when he collided with Dane Richards during the Red Bulls' 0-0 tie with Columbus. Here is the rundown from Red Bull head trainer Rick Guter.

When Dane Richards ran into Reyna he ran into him knee first, driving his knee at full speed into Reyna's leg. The impact hit Reyna in the area where the thigh and hamstring intersect on the rear side of the left leg. Apparently the impact struck a vein, which caused Reyna's leg to swell and eventually bruise so badly that the entire back of Reyna's leg was left a dark blue from his glute to his calf. Reyna has undegone steady treatment to eliminate the swelling and remove the blood from the area. This has pretty much been done but Reyna is still dealing with stiffness and soreness. He tried to do some training today and as it stands the club expects to make a decision on whether he plays against FC Dallas on Sunday after Saturday's practice. It could even be a game-time decision.

Guter revealed that the bruise was the worst he has seen in his 17 years of being a trainer, he also made it a point to say that the injury could have just as easily happened to an 18-year-old and that Reyna's injury history had nothing to do with what happened (Let's be honest, if Dane Richards had run full speed into Steve Gerrard knee-first Gerrard would have been dealing with the same thing.)

Reyna wants to play Sunday but he also knows that it isn't worth risking prolonging his time out by coming back too soon. Guter stated that the injury shouldn't be a problem beyond this week.

What needs to be pointed out is the fact that Reyna played more than 60 minutes with that same leg injury and even though he didn't play as well offensively in the second half he still gutted out the second half and played a big part in keeping the Crew off the board. He deserves some credit for staying on the field and playing through some considerable pain.

What do I think will happen? Reyna is doing everything he can to get over the injury but one thing he won't be doing is taking the field if it will hamper his play. He has had enough injuries in the past to know that it is smarter just to sit a game then risk missing even more time. It's pretty much a toss-up right now.

Comments

[Todd R]

The Reyna haters will be here momentarily, I'm sure…

[DCUinCT]

It would suprise the hell out of me if he didn't play at least a significant amount as a sub. More bad press about how the team brought in an old, easily injured player isn't needed.

[Britton]

They only thing that could be worse is if Claudio got this injury in practice, or at the mall at short hills. Hopefully he is good to go again by mid-week next week.

[Wilson Niedle]

Bwahahahahahaa

Told ya so!

[Bob]

I'm not a Reyna hate or anything and I'm sure what you said about the injury is true but wow. Just wow.

[Blake]

Obviously Claudio has had a long history of injuries. Saying that this injury would have happened to Steven Gerrard just the same is a way of you Red Bull faithful rationalizing his suceptability to injury. The guy is made of glass.

[Anon]

This game is going to be played in such nasty weather and on pathetic fake turf that Claudio's presence won't be too much of a factor--especially an injured Claudio.

They should save him for another day.

[Eric]

Anyone else wonder 'What the hell Richards was thinking'? If he had been on the opposing team he would have gotten a card. Truly reckless play on his part.

[EmorySoccer]

True Reyna hater right here.

I'm not sure what surprises me more:
That fact that it only took Reyna 1 game to get hurt or the fact that RB fans are still living in disillusionment that Claudio is not an injury prone player.

I wouldn't be surprised if Claudio suffers a min. of 2-3 injuries this year. Just pull out of thr tackle, Claudio.