:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59917005/SEA_RSL-02190.0.0.jpg)
TUKWILA, Wash. — While the Seattle Sounders will still be depleted for the immediate future, head coach Brian Schmetzer’s update on Thursday seemed to offer a glimpse of light at the end of the hamstring-lined tunnel.
First, the bad news
Rookie Handwalla Bwana suffered a midfoot sprain against Real Salt Lake May 26 and there is no immediate timetable for his return. The midfielder made his fifth start of the season against RSL, lasting just over a half-hour before collapsing while evading a challenge from Jeferson Savarino.
What Schmetzer had to say: “No (update). Midfoot sprain. One of those small ligaments in there. I’m not sure which.”
Meanwhile, Osvaldo Alonso is still rehabbing his left quad pull and was described as being a “few weeks away” from a healthy return. The 32-year-old has been limited to four appearances for Seattle this season.
Now, the good news
Will Bruin and Victor Rodriguez both fully participated in training Thursday. Bruin, who was recovering from a partially-torn plantar fascia, missed Seattle’s losses against RSL and the Portland Timbers. Rodriguez, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery May 4, has not appeared for Seattle this season.
What Schmetzer had to say: “Good. Trained in full today, both of them, so that’s a positive. I expect to see them on the field on Saturday, in what way, shape or form, I’ll let you know.” On Tuesday, Schmetzer told KJR that he’d bet “$9.89” of a $10 bet on the likelihood they’d play this week.
Just good to hear
Jordan Morris was walking the perimeter around the training ground Thursday, even doing some light jogging while accompanied by a team athletic trainer. The club has harbored no illusion about the speed with which Morris might return, but Schmetzer said having him back outside would be good for the forward’s mental state, and he seemed to enjoy joking around with his teammates toward the end of practice.
What Schmetzer had to say: “It’s good for his mentality. I think the team is still cognizant that he’s a ways away, but for his well-being, it’s good.”