New York Red Bulls coach Hans Backe has confirmed that the injury sustained by star striker Juan Pablo Angel in a pre-season friendly is not as bad as first thought.
The Colombian ace was brought down in a horror challenge by Toronto midfielder Julian de Guzman but Backe said there was no serious damage and expects him to be back in action very soon.
"It looks ok. I would say at first we thought it was something with the knee and it could have been dangerous, but it's on the back of the knee. It's muscular in a way, some tightness. So I wouldn't be surprised if he joins us for Fort Lauderdale Monday all ready to go,'' said Backe. "No. Hopefully I think he can join us next week.''
Angel believes the tackle made by de Guzman was clearly unnecessary but admitted he was feeling much better now than immediately after the incident.
"Yes it was very unnecessary foul, I will say. It was a late tackle. There was no need for it, especially for a player of his experience,'' said Angel. "I feel better. Still sore, but I feel better.''