Tuesday notes: injury woes mount ahead of TFC clash

Updates on Boskovic and Jakovic on international duty

September 7, 2010

Alex Caulfield / dcunited.com

Branko Boskovic worked 74 minutes in Montenegro's 1-0 win over Wales

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INJURY WOES

D.C. United returned to the training pitch today ahead of Saturday's match at BMO Field with Toronto FC. There were notable absences on the RFK Auxiliary Field this morning, with several players missing by way of injury. Marc Burch underwent successful surgery yesterday to repair a broken sesmoid bone in his right foot. The defender is sidelined for the year following this procedure. Additionally, forward Adam Cristman is having surgery to repair a frayed left menisus tomorrow at Arlington Hospital Center. Cristman inured his knee in training in recent weeks, and the impending surgery may keep him out for the rest of 2010. Juan Manuel Peña has rejoined the injured ranks by re-aggravating a right quadriceps strain, while fellow defender Barry Rice is questionable for this weekend's match following the eight stitches he received above his left eye on August 29 at Chivas USA. Lastly, Chris Pontius is out with a right hamstring strain as fullback Rodney Wallace continues his struggle with a broken left leg suffered on June 5 against Real Salt Lake.

UNITED INTERNATIONALS

Branko Boskovic helped Montenegro to a thrilling 1-0 Victory over Wales in a 2012 European Championship qualifier on Friday, September 3. Boskovic played 74 minutes in the contest, and nearly found the back of the net in the first half. Roma scoring sensation Mirko Vucinic netted the match-winner for the home side, and Montenegro battles Bulgaria on the road today in another Group G contest. Alongside England, Switzerland, Wales, and Bulgaria, Boskovic's Montenegro is battling for a place in Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Boskovic's teammate Dejan Jakovic was at BMO Field on September 4 where Canada lost to Peru 2-0 in an international friendly. Jakovic did not feature for the Canadians, but he will have another opportunity tonight at Montreal's Stade Saputo. Canada plays host to Honduras in another friendly at 7:30 p.m. ET.

VARELA TRIAL

Spanish-born winger Carlos Varela was not at training this morning, but the Swiss League veteran is expected to return to RFK Stadium shortly. According to Interim Head Coach Ben Olsen, Varela has been given leave to attend to personal matters, but we could see the midfielder back at training as soon as next week.