Injuries Sets Back Red Bulls Back Line, Midfield Ahead of Saturday's Match-up in Ohio

Soccer By Ives is reporting midfielder Teemu Tainio is going to be out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury and that Wilman Conde will miss Saturday's game agains the Columbus Crew.

It almost goes without saying the Bulls are going to miss Conde -- out with a reported groin strain -- with Markus Holgersson disappointing so far in a Red Bulls kit. But Tainio's absence could be felt too, even with McCarty's nice run of play in the midfield. Rafael Marquez, who came off at halftime in the Red Bulls' 5-3 win over the Montreal Impact, didn't train with the team Tuesday because of a groin injury. The injury, reportedly, won't effect Marquez's status for Saturday, but if he aggravates it during play, he could put Hans Backe in a precarious position, since the New York Post is reporting Backe is considering starting Medhi Ballouchy in place of Joel Lindpere. This leaves the Estonian international and Victor Palsson, who hasn't played since the Bulls' 2-0 loss to Real Salt Lake on St. Patrick's Day, to fill in for Marquez should he need a sub.

So changes abound for the squad. The back line for tomorrow's game is looking like it's going to be the one Backe trotted out against FC Dallas and RSL, with Stephen Keel and Holgersson in the middle. The midfield that stayed largely intact (except for the failed 4-5-1 for a half in Salt Lake City) could make some changes, too.