Bruce Arena doesn't think Osvaldo Alonso will play

The biggest injury issue facing either team in the Western Conference Finals is simple - will Osvaldo Alonso play? The four-time All Star, one-time Best XI player is a key cog in the Seattle Sounders defense, and offense. He enables the rest of the midfield to get forward more than they would with a weaker defensive mid. His passing is incredible.

And he may not play. Bruce Arena is quite confident that there will be no Alonso on the pitch against the LA Galaxy.

Bruce Arena on Ozzie Alonso's status: 'He's not going to go. I'd bet the house on that'

— Matt Pentz (@mattpentz) November 22, 2014

He could be right. There are plenty of indications that Alonso is in more doubt this week than last week. But, he's also the opposing coach. Arena has to trust what Sigi Schmid is saying through the media. Sigi has no reason to tell the truth.

So while Arena could be right, he's also coming across as an expert on things of which he has no direct knowledge.

Bruce Arena #ExpertOnThings pic.twitter.com/WFiSg8sekt

— Dave Clark (@bedirthan) November 22, 2014

Bruce Arena #ExpertOnThings pic.twitter.com/IyrrpvDsMp

— Dave Clark (@bedirthan) November 22, 2014

Bruce Arena #ExpertOnThings pic.twitter.com/IU1SGFmCks

— Dave Clark (@bedirthan) November 22, 2014

Bruce Arena #ExpertOnThings pic.twitter.com/PKtExrGRiC

— Dave Clark (@bedirthan) November 22, 2014

Bruce Arena #ExpertOnThings pic.twitter.com/HHrx6v6Gff

— Dave Clark (@bedirthan) November 22, 2014

Bruce Arena knows as much about Osvaldo Alonso's injury as you do. And I'd bet the house on that.