Chicago Fire rookie goalkeeper Sean
Johnson will not be available for selection Friday after sustaining an injury
to his right eye during Tuesday’s training session at Toyota Park.
The injury came during a small-sided
scrimmage where Johnson took a shot from close range square in the face. The
first-year keeper was diagnosed Tuesday afternoon with Hyphema – which occurs
with internal bleeding in the eye, blocking vision.
"After seeing the doctor, he made
me aware this type of injury just takes a bit of rest,” said Johnson Wednesday
morning. “We're just taking precautions to make sure there are no complications
and I have a speedy recovery. If all goes well I should be back to training
pretty soon. I’m just taking it in stride, just being patient and waiting for
myself to heal."
In his absence, second-year goalkeeper
Andrew Dykstra will be between the sticks Friday, making his first start since
a July 14 loss to Monarcas Morelia in SuperLiga.
“We have a team full of players that can step
in at any time and get a result for us,” said Johnson. “Andrew’s more than
ready to go -- I think he’s going to do a great job on Friday. We both prepare
for these opportunities and situations – in a long season it’s kind of
unpredictable. We’ve both been on both ends of the spectrum. The team is
good -- spirits are still high and whatever eleven players go out on the field
on Friday, I think they’ll be capable of getting a good result. Though I may
not be able to be there, I’ll definitely be watching and supporting the Fire. I
know our fans will stand behind us as well. We still have a chance at the
playoffs and I think we can get three points Saturday.”
Johnson is expected to make a full
recovery and will be evaluated ahead of Tuesday’s match against the Kansas City
Wizards.
