According to Mexico team doctor José Luis Serrano, Rafael Marquez suffered muscular distal injury in his right thigh "and that an MRI revealed a Grade 1 separation of fibers that will require rehabilitation."

This is, according to Serrano, a rough injury for the embattled defender/midfielder...

"I can't say exactly," Serrano said. "It is a very difficult region. It's the region where you practically exert the most strength when you shoot or hit the ball. Therefore it is more dangerous. We have to be very careful. Until he starts training, we can't realistically evaluate if he is ready to play."

So due to his suspension held over from last year Marquez missed the first two games of the year (2), was back for the home opener before coming off in the 45th minute against the Montreal Impact, but played the next two games before coming down with a groin injury, sidelining him for then next four (6). He came back against the Philadelphia Union, but missed the first of two away fixtures agains the Impact with a "soft achilles" (7). He came back for the 1-1 draw with Chivas USA, but then headed out with the Mexican national team, taking him out of commission for the Open Cup game against the Charleston Battery (8) and he'll likely miss the fifth round cup match-up with the Harrisburg City Islanders.

So Marquez has missed eight games, likely nine by the end of next week, due to suspension, injury or national team duty. And possibly more with this new injury. He's only made six appearances this season.

Erik Soler is really getting his money's worth with this guy isn't he?