Obafemi Martins still questionable ahead of Timbers week

Obafemi Martins was, indeed, in attendance at Seattle Sounders training on Monday. So, at least for now, we can put aside the immediate concerns that his hamstring injury is just a rouse to disguise his imminent transfer. Unfortunately, that merely leaves with us with the reality that Martins has an actual hamstring injury.

The good news? He's progressing. The bad news? It doesn't sound like he'll play on Wednesday and his status will likely still be up in the air for Sunday when the Sounders host the Portland Timbers for the second time in five days.

"Oba got through what we wanted him to do today fine," Schmid said following the closed-door training session. "So, we'll see how he feels tomorrow and try to progress it.

"We want to make sure it doesn't turn into something long term because of where we are in the season. We want to be cautious with it and careful and the turf [at Starfire] is not the best thing to play if you have a bit of a muscle injury."

Clint Dempsey won't be rejoining the Sounders until at least Thursday -- he's appearing on Letterman on Wednesday -- which means the Sounders will likely use a starting forward tandem of Chad Barrett and Kenny Cooper. Although that duo didn't look particularly dangerous on Saturday against the Vancouver Whitecaps, Cooper has scored three goals in two games and Starfire and Barrett has looked particularly dangerous in his two appearances there. The two veterans have also combined for seven goals in MLS play this year.