Eddie Gaven will likely miss his first match of the season on Saturday against New England, Columbus Crew head coach Robert Warzycha said on Monday.
Gaven was kicked in the back of his right leg by Colorado’s Jeff Larentowicz during last Friday’s 2-0 loss at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and was forced to make an early exit in the seventh minute.
“I don’t expect him to play on Saturday, to be honest, as sore as he is,” Warzycha said. “He’s got a big bruise. It’s an important game for us, but for me it’s important he is healthy.”
Warzycha said an X-ray was negative, but that Gaven was expected to be examined by team physician Dr. Pete Edwards later on Monday.
Gaven and defenders Chad Marshall and Sebastián Miranda are the only members of the Crew to start all 23 games this season. Gaven is third on the team in minutes played (1,958), tied for second in goals (four) and had a goal in two straight games before being forced to leave on Friday.
If Gaven does not play in the match against the Revolution, his next opportunity to feature will come the following Saturday when the Crew play host to the Philadelphia Union.
