The New York Red Bulls will be short-handed for Sunday's game against the Chicago Fire. Head coach Hans Backe confirmed on Friday that his team would be without Thierry Henry and Rafa Márquez, its two Designated Players. The pair will miss the entirety of the current road trip, included a June 20 game against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Backe sounded confident that a week off would suffice for both players. He expected to have them back in action when the Red Bulls play their next home game, a tough match against the first-place D.C. United next Sunday, June 24.
Henry missed four games already this season with a hamstring injury. He will miss the road trip due to a calf injury suffered while training during the team's recent international break. In nine games played this season Henry has nine goals and five assists. His nine goals in third in the league behind Chris Wondolowski of San Jose and Red Bulls teammate Kenny Cooper, each of whom have 11. Márquez, 33, has missed seven games, playing in just six, this season because of injuries and suspensions. In reality, he has had little positive impact for the Red Bulls this season. He has two assists and just one shot on goal.
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.