Hans Backe on the Striker Corps

Remember when the Red Bulls picked up Kenny Cooper and everyone was rightfully confused? It came out, via GM Erik Soler, that it was a depth move and one to hedge against worst case roster scenario.

Well, it turns out Head Coach Hans Backe isn't as rosy on the striker corps as Soler was last week, telling the Post...

I don’t expect (Juan Agudelo and Luke Rodgers) to come back, because I know from last year and 2010 already with the visa problems for Luke, the rumors about Juan of course, today I can’t count on them. Hopefully we’ll have an answer in the next two weeks,’’ Backe told the Post. "We would like to get replacements in if both Juan and Luke are out.’’

We already know the only striker in camp, currently, is Corey Hertzog, but the best of last season's group is well accounted for. Rodgers is working on his visa issues back in England. Agudelo is with the USMNT. Thierry Henry is with Arsenal. But according to Backe, Soler is "involved with the offers that are coming in" from Agudelo. And reading between the lines, Rodgers' visa issues are worse than expected, despite an incident-less 2011.

A closing observation: The Red Bulls were 1-4-9 without Rodgers in the line-up.