It was perhaps a bad omen when Tommy Thompson was forced out of the San Jose Earthquakes’ first game of the 2021 season after less than 10 minutes.
The versatile homegrown player, starting at right back, appeared to injure his shoulder on an awkward aerial challenge in San Jose’s box in the opening minutes, and his night was over in a hurry, with newcomer Luciano Abecasis making his MLS debut a bit early than expected on the night. The Quakes went on to lose the game 2-1.
In talking to reporters Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s home opener against FC Dallas, Earthquakes head coach Matias Almeyda said Thompson has been training this week, albeit with some limitations, but he could be in line for a return this coming weekend.
“Tommy is recovering well,” Almeyda said via interpreter. “He’s done all his work. We’ve tried to get him to avoid contact with his teammates because of what’s going on with his shoulder. We’re waiting on a test to see if he can play this game. Fortunately, the injury is not serious. So, we’re just waiting on that test result but Tommy is looking good.”
So while Thompson could be selected, another Quakes stalwart, midfielder Judson, sounds unlikely to be ready for the FC Dallas match.
Judson's back. pic.twitter.com/kJK1lCpvKA
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) April 21, 2021
The Brazilian returned to training this week, but Almeyda cautioned Judson is likely not ready to jump right into a game.
“Judson has returned to training, he was in Brazil for a long time,” Almeyda said. “Regardless of the fact he’s a great professional and has been training for five, almost six months, but the game rhythm and for 90 minutes he’s still getting ahold of and he’s not there yet. Because of his characteristics, he surely will get back to speed quickly, but it’s clear he’s been missing football and he hasn’t had any.”
So it sounds like Eric Remedi will get the start again, then, on Saturday.
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