By BRIAN LEWIS
Just as the Red Bulls are slowly edging their way toward health _ Claudio Reyna’s injury apparently not serious, and Dane Richards and Hunter Freeman practicing for a second straight day _ comes worrying news that Juan Pablo Angel’s injury may be trickier than a simple strained left hamstring. Reyna did not train with a right knee knock, but the captain did ride a stationary bicycle next to the practice field, and isn’t even listed on the injury report at all. Angel might not be quite as fortunate, telling the Post last week that he feared his injury was actually coming from his back.
“Rick has gone to see a specialist because I think that Juan’s injury is not just a muscular injury. It could be something else,’’ said Juan Carlos Osorio. “It’s just analyzing all the possibilities because we all know how important he is to this club. I would rather take as many (days as needed) and get him back 100 percent, than try to get him back 50, 60 or 70 percent.’’
When asked if that meant he’d sit his star forward against San Jose, Osorio replied “If that’s what it takes I will not use him, no.’’
Freeman (right ankle sprain) and Richards (right MCL tear) practiced for the second straight day, and could be back sooner than later. They were both upgraded to doubtful for Sunday’s game against San Jose, but with a quick turnaround Thursday at Toronto, that second tilt might be a legit possibility.
Osorio said he’d like to see each play _ a reserve game, scrimmage, friendly, something _ before the get back on the field in a league game, something he took from his Manchester City days.
“I discussed with my assistants, we should initiate a procedure for every player coming back from a long-term injury to have a reserve match before they come back to the team. I want to make sure these guys come back full fit,” said Osorio. When it was pointed out there next reserve game was slated for Toronto May 2, he said it may be before that.
“I don’t know if I will wait that long, because with two games in less than five days there will be a need a strong chance to rotate some players,” said Osorio, who also admitted he may play the both of them together. “At some point I will try to play a 3-4-3. If that’s the case I can see places for both of them. It’s not just a matter of whos playing for who, but at some point they might get in together.”