Cavan Sullivan will not be available for Saturday's big game against the New England Revolution, according to Friday evening's player availability report. The Philadelphia Union are set to host New England at Subaru Park at 7:30 p.m., and the loss of Sullivan is a notable one with playoff implications on the line.
The Union entered the weekend sixth in the Eastern Conference, and a win could clinch a postseason berth. That makes the timing of the injury report especially important, because Sullivan had been expected to be fine after a knock to his ankle last Saturday in the 2-2 tie with Charlotte.
How the injury status changed
Sullivan missed Wednesday's practice, then returned on Thursday. After that session, Ryan Richter said he expected him to be fine for Saturday night. Richter’s update suggested the Union had reason to feel better about Sullivan’s availability, especially after the brief absence earlier in the week.
But Friday’s injury report changed the picture. MLS listed Sullivan as out, confirming that he will not take part against New England. The setback comes after he was fined by MLS's disciplinary committee one day before he was ruled out, adding another layer to an already eventful stretch for the young Union player.
What it means for Philadelphia
For the Union, the immediate concern is replacing one of their key attacking options in a match that could have postseason consequences. The club has already been dealing with other absences, including Jesús Bueno, who suffered a hamstring injury earlier this month, so the roster has already been tested.
Against a New England side that is fighting for its own result, Philadelphia will have to manage the moment without Sullivan. The Union still control their playoff path entering the weekend, but Saturday’s matchup now carries a little more uncertainty after the late injury update.
