Real Salt Lake's MLS Cup title hopes took a bit of a hit after Javier Morales suffered a severe ankle injury, but there's hope that Morales could be back in time for the club's postseason push.
RSL's Argentine playmaker underwent successful ankle surgery and could return to action in October, said Dr. Andrew Cooper, the team physician who performed the operation.
Morales suffered a fracture-dislocation and torn ligaments in his left ankle after a tackle from behind by Marcos Mondaini, who was red-carded but has yet to be disciplined further by the league. The injuries have been corrected, but the time range for the recovery and rehabilitation period is hard to pinpoint.
There's no guarantee that Morales will return this season, but statements by Cooper and general manager Garth Lagerwey indicate that it's a legitimate possibility. RSL has three games in October prior to the playoffs: Oct. 1 at Los Angeles, Oct. 14 at Colorado and Oct. 22 vs. Portland in the regular-season finale.
What do you think of this development? Think RSL will still be a title contender without Morales?
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