Will Cucho Hernandez play vs Chicago Fire? Columbus Crew availability report for the match
The Crew's leading score, Cucho Hernandez, is listed as "questionable" going into Columbus' road match against the Chicago Fire on Saturday night.
If he misses Saturday's game, it will be the second straight he has sat out due to a back injury. He was also unavailable for Wednesday's 3-1 win over CF Montreal. That night, Crew coach Wilfried Nancy said he felt Hernandez could have played if needed, but opted to rest the striker to ensure he was ready for Chicago.
Replay: Columbus Crew record 3-1 road victory over CF Montreal, first MLS win since March
On Thursday, Nancy was less optimistic about Hernandez's status, saying, "I don't know yet, after the practice, we will see."
Hernandez was not seen on the field Thursday during practice, which was held with season ticket holders watching at Lower.com Field.
Hernadez has already missed three MLS regular-season matches this year. He was sidelined for an additional game in CONCACAF Champions Cup play. His earlier absences were due to a two-game suspension Nancy issued due to a violation of "team policy" during the Charlotte FC match, and then a league suspension for recording a red card against D.C. United.
Despite that, Hernandez still leads the club in scoring with four goals in league play and six overall.
Jacen Russell-Rowe listed as questionable vs Chicago Fire
Forward Jacen Russell-Rowe is also listed as questionable for the Chicago match after missing the game in Montreal.
Before training on Thursday, Nancy said Russell-Rowe, who is dealing with a knee injury, "seemed good," but the coach wanted to wait until after that day's workout to determine his status. Russell-Rowe was on the field for the full practice Thursday.
The only player who is definitely out for Chicago is goalkeeper Evan Bush, who is still recovering from the wrist injury he sustained during a play in the first half against Real Salt Lake on April 13. In the training sessions open to reporters since then, Bush has been seen working out on a limited basis.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Crew striker Cucho Hernandez questionable vs Chicago Fire
