The newest member of the New York Red Bulls, English midfielder Lloyd Sam, will not be available for the Red Bulls' match on Sunday against the Portland Timbers.
Sam, who was signed on Thursday, has not yet received his international visa. The former Leeds and Notts County winger is not completely fit but is ready to begin his Red Bulls career. New York's coach, Hans Backe, is hoping to see Sam in action against Sporting Kansas City on Aug. 26.
Sam, 27, began his career with Charlton Athletic as an 18-year-old and scored six times in 119 appearances with the club. He scored five goals in 10 matches (including a hat trick against Yeovil Town on April 9) with League One side Notts County on loan from Leeds last season.
In addition to Sam, the Red Bulls will not have Designated Player Rafael Marquez against the Timbers. Marquez has re-injured his left calf. He has been limited to just nine matches this season.
For more on the Red Bulls 2012 season, stay tuned to our StoryStream. See SB Nation's Once A Metro for more discussion of the Red Bulls.