The Seattle Sounders are without their captain and midfield tempo-setter as they visit D.C. United at Audi Field on Sunday evening (8 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada).
Nicolas Lodeiro did not travel to the U.S. capital city due to a lower-back injury sustained during the Rave Green’s 0-0 home draw with FC Dallas at midweek, news first reported by Sounder At Heart and the Seattle Times.
Though it’s not considered a serious matter, the team’s technical staff elected to spare the Uruguayan the rigors of a cross-continental trip in order to maximize his recovery time ahead of next week’s visit to the San Jose Earthquakes.
“We don’t think it’s a long-term injury,” Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer told the Times. “He’s a big part of our team. He takes all of our corner kicks and free kicks. But Harry Shipp’s available. Victor Rodriguez is available to play some minutes and I’ve played Joevin Jones at midfield before. Those three guys will be who we draw from. So, we’ll put a decent team out there.”
Seattle are also missing center back Xavier Arreaga to suspension. D.C., meanwhile, may have to do without striker Ola Kamara, who is nursing a hamstring problem.
