Drew Moor & Victor Vazquez questionable for second leg against New York Red Bulls

Sportsnet’s John Molinaro has the latest on Drew Moor and Victor Vazquez after they were substituted with injuries against the New York Red Bulls on Monday night:

Neither Moor nor Vazquez trained on Wednesday, and Vanney revealed that both players are questionable for Sunday’s match. They could play in the second leg, depending on the progress they make in the next few days.

“Both have [improved] since the game, and are feeling better. I think we’re [listing] them as questionable right now. In talking to them today, they definitely have made progress, which is a good sign,” Vanney said.

He later added: “[They’re] questionable for now, understanding that we have a few days. They’ve made progress, so our hope is that they’ll continue to make progress and that that prognosis gets better as we get closer.”

I think it’s hard to see Greg Vanney risking either player from the start unless he’s absolutely sure they’re ready to go.

On the one hand, it’s the playoffs - if you can play through some pain, you do it and make sure you give each fixture the respect it deserves. Your season is on the line.

But on the other, Toronto FC have a bit of a cushion after the first leg and quality backups in both positions.

Jonathan Osorio is not Vazquez, but he’s in good form and there seems to be a decent chance the Spaniard could then be healthy enough for a 30-minute cameo if required.

And Moor versus Nick Hagglund might be a wash at the minute, with the veteran not enjoying the greatest stretch of his career. I still expect Moor to start when he’s fit, but it would not make much sense to select him hindered by a niggle when the drop off to Hagglund is so small, if it even exists at all.

The good news, anyway, is that with the international break coming up these appear to be one-game injuries at worst.

TFC may just need to cope without them for that one game to ensure it is not their last of the 2017 campaign.