New England Soccer Today

Davies: Bunbury in ‘A Lot’ of Pain

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Jay Heaps may have revealed little about the status of injured midfielder Teal Bunbury prior to Wednesday’s training, but one of Bunbury’s teammates shed some light on his condition.

Revolution striker Charlie Davies told nesoccertoday.com on Wednesday that it appears unlikely that Bunbury, who injured his right shoulder during last weekend’s loss in Seattle, will suit up for Sunday’s contest against New York City FC.

“Teal’s dealing with a lot of pain right now,” Davies said, “It doesn’t look great in terms of him being a part of the team this weekend.”

Davies, who missed last Sunday’s match in Seattle due to a nagging calf injury, said that if last year’s team assist leader isn’t able to go in New York, whoever steps in has a formidable task in front of him.

“He’s a huge part of the team,” Davies said of Bunbury. “His positioning, and the way he plays on that wing, is so important for our team because of the job he does not only offensive side, but on the defensive side.”

Bunbury led all Revolution midfielders by winning five aerial duels before the shoulder injury forced him out of the match around the 82nd minute. He also collected three tackles, which was also tops among his colleagues in the midfield.

“He’s just a tireless worker, up and down,” Davies said, “and obviously his speed (is an asset) – a lot of defenders have to worry about his speed.”

Last year, Heaps tabbed Steve Neumann and Kelyn Rowe to man the right side of the midfield after a hamstring strain forced Bunbury to miss the final two regular season matches. However, Heaps mentioned during the winter that recently-acquired striker Juan Agudelo could also fit the bill if needed.

One player who doesn’t appear to be a candidate to take over on the right is Davies, even though he’d seen time at the spot during the first half of last season. The Revolution striker said he hasn’t had any discussions with Heaps about the possibility of moving back out wide.

“It’s one of those things where I know Jay is going to have to make some tough decisions for this weekend,” Davies said. “But at the same time, whoever steps into that spot has a big role to play on Sunday. I’m confident that whoever plays there will do the job.”

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