New York Red Bulls star Tim Cahill has been ruled out for 3-4 weeks after sustaining ligament damage in his ankle on Saturday.
The Australian midfielder had only just returned from a torn PCL, which he suffered in a strong tackle against Real Salt Lake in July, when he was hacked down by Dejan Jakovic in the Red Bulls' 2-1 win over DC United just bef0ore Lloyd Sam scored the opening goal.
New York head coach Mike Petke was left reeling by the Cahill injury especially after he had scored the second goal and as both instances have not brought about any penalty for the infringing player.
"I'm angry. That's two tackles, where he hurts his PCL and now has ligament damage, and both go unpunished,'' said Petke.
"Don't get me wrong, the ref plays advantage and if we score on it (I understand). But I was surprised nothing was even said after the defender goes in with his studs to the side. Now we have a very important player missing a big chunk of the season, so we're not happy about it.
"Tim is an honest worker. He works hard. He's an aggressive player, but the last thing he is, is dirty. He doesn't commit an obscene amount of fouls; I think he's fouled, especially on aerial battles because of his ability to jump It was frustrating, for him as well. But the refs know what he's about."
