Albright out 3-6 weeks

[Ringo]

From the Associated Press:

CARSON, Calif. (AP) — U.S. defender Chris Albright will be sidelined for three to six weeks after tearing cartilage in his left knee.
Albright was injured Jan. 5 during the Americans' first full day of training camp this year. He initially was thought to have a bruised knee and an MRI exam did not detect any damage, but the swelling did not subside.
Albright was operated on Monday in Los Angeles by team physician Dr. Bert Mandelbaum, who repaired a lateral meniscus tear, the U.S. Soccer Federation said Tuesday.
Midfielder Pablo Mastroeni partially tore his left quadriceps during practice on Jan. 9, an injury expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks. Midfielder Steve Ralston is expected to miss 10 days after straining his right quadriceps last week.

[Jabinho]

Well I guess that's not as bad as it could have been...

[H]

These injuries will have interesting effects on playing time during the next few weeks. Mastro's injury (and Clark's earlier) means Olsen, Carroll and Zavagnin will split time at defensive mid for the next four matches.

Ralston's injury probably rules him out against Canada and Norway. This means three midfield spots (excluding defensive mid) to be divvied up between Donovan, Dempsey, Noonan, Quaranta and Adu. I assume Donovan and Dempsey will play most of both matches, which will still leave a good amount of PT for the other three.

Albright's injury mainly affects Hejduk, who now looks to play most of the next four matches at right back. Arena might choose to take a look at another player (Noonan?) at that spot.

[Ringo]

what does this do to Albright's chances to make the WC team? since he was a bubble player at best these friendlies were vital to him.

[Martin Fischer]

what does this do to Albright's chances to make the WC team? since he was a bubble player at best these friendlies were vital to him.

I think it seriously hurts his chances -- if Hejduk is adequate, then he will probably get the slot. I do think Albright has earned enough credit from Arena to get a look in a later friendly, though it will probably be too little, too late.

[Scoobs]

what does this do to Albright's chances to make the WC team? since he was a bubble player at best these friendlies were vital to him.

Not much imo. He's basically competing against Hejduk. Both players have
had extensive experience playing time over the past year and are veterans.
They are known quantities. Albright could have raised his stock by playing lights out, but he's not hurting himself given his track record. Likewise,
I doubt Hejduk is going to do anything better thus raising his stock over
the next few friendlies.

Now guys like Carroll, Pearce, Quaranta, Rolfe, etc really need these
friendlies.

[Adam Zebrowski]

I think the key is if albright can get back to play against guatemala...

if he does, and plays well, then albright is still in the equation...

now if hejduk, for some reason finds incredible form, then albright might have too much ground to make up....

I do wonder if arena goes some 3 in the back at times