Great news from the Emerald City: the entire Seattle Sounders team is healthy, well and ready to play this Saturday against the San Jose Earthquakes. Although we don’t know if he will return to the field or not, Andreas Ivanschitz is finally back from his thigh strain recovery that prevented him from playing in the last match against the Columbus Crew SC as well as celebrating the victory that occurred during the match. Ivanschitz was certainly bummed out about missing that golden opportunity, but he is now healthy and ready to play again.

Will he be on the field Saturday? While that remains to be seen, Seattle Sounders Head Coach Sigi Schmid sounded optimistic about his health when asked by the press. “Ivanschitz got through this week of training,” he clearly stated, ensuring that the Austrian midfielder has recovered. He also assured the press that other team members who have experienced injuries lately, including Nelson Valdez, Clint Dempsey and Erik Friberg, are also ready to get back in the game after missing out. “Valdez has also made it through the week good and Friberg’s also had a full week of training, so we’re happy with all that,” he said.

Friberg may have a spot in the upcoming game if what Schmid says is true. “I thought Erik came in off the bench last week and did some good things for us. We’re looking forward to Erik playing a role this week as well.” Then, of course, there is Brad Evans, who should also be back in the game this weekend. Although Evans did not receive an injury in the previous match, he was given a red card and had to sit out on the big win against Columbus Crew last match.

Do you think having Valdez, Dempsey and Friberg back on the team will clinch a victory this weekend against the Quakes? Who do you look forward to seeing most, and do you think that Morris will be doing more impressive work on the field? How do you think Friberg will be used in the game, if at all, and did you enjoy seeing his last performance? Share your predictions and hopes in the comments below.  The match is at 7:00 PM at CenturyLink Field on Saturday, so if you don’t already have tickets, be sure to tune in online, via TV or radio or follow along with the Sounders on social media.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia