Roman Torres out for season, Sigi Schmid returning to sideline

Just when the team thought it was over the injury bug, new issues and a particularly dangerous opponent have started a second round of missed minutes. Seattle Sounders FC can expect the return of their coach this weekend, but that dream of an ideal starting roster may now be an impossible one.

As the winningest coach in MLS history, Sigi Schmid has played a major part in the universal success that has been Seattle Sounders FC. Over the past two weeks though, Schmid has been away with a still-undisclosed ailment. His time away from the team has opened things up for longtime Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer, who pulled out four points in his absence. But now it appears that Schmid is prepared to return, according to this tweet from Don Ruiz of The News Tribune:

Schmid says he will coach Sounders Saturday at Vancouver ... whether they want him to or not.

— Don Ruiz (@donruiztnt) September 14, 2015

Context for that quote is missing, and it is unclear who "they" are (Sounders, doctors) or if it was meant in a joking manner, but it seems safe to assume that Schmid will be at BC Place this weekend barring complications.

The forecast is less rosy for standout defender Roman Torres, who appeared to hyper-extend his knee while jumping for an airborne ball in Saturday's Sounders match. Torres was referenced in Instagram by teammate Tyrone Mears thusly:

Really sorry to hear the extent of my teams mates injury, such a good player and nice guy. We will support u all the way in your road to recovery. I've experienced long term injuries and know how hard it can be, stay strong amigo. Torres

A photo posted by Tyrone Mears (@tyemears4) on Sep 14, 2015 at 1:02pm PDT

The phrase used is "long term injury," a disappointing setback for a defense that had seemed to find its new best player. Seattle Times writer Matt Pentz also provided this update from the club, which does not specify the injury but confirms Torres is out for the season.

Sounders club official confirms that Roman Torres has suffered a season-ending knee injury. More specifics expected tomorrow

— Matt Pentz (@mattpentz) September 14, 2015

There are no updates on Brad Evans or Nelson Valdez, who were both substituted for injuries along with Torres in Saturday's 1-1 draw with the Earthquakes. Evans was entered into concussion protocol after taking a particularly vicious ball to the face, and Valdez was on the wrong end of a few physical tackles.