Photo: Earl Gardner

The injury bug has hit the Union’s back line.

Union starting left back Fabinho was forced off at halftime during the club’s last match against Columbus Crew.

During Jim Curtin’s weekly press conference at Talen Energy Stadium, the coach revealed the severity of the injury. “The MRI has come back. He has a little miniscus tear and MCL sprain.” He continued, “It’s a key player we will potentially miss for a few weeks.”

The decision now has to be made as to whether it’s best to strengthen the muscle around the injury or opt for surgery.

It forces the Union to answer another difficult question: Is it now Matthew Real’s time to shine?

The 18-year-old left back was signed to a homegrown contract this season. Currently, Real is training with the U.S. U-20 national team in Spain with fellow Union homegrown Mark McKenzie. “We watched their game against France on what was basically a dad’s cell phone,” said Curtin. “It’s good for their development.”

While they aren’t scheduled to return until March 28, Curtin explained both could potentially be called back earlier. If Real is to return, it gives Curtin two choices to start at left back in Colorado.

Raymon Gaddis was chosen to replace Fabinho when the Brazilian went down, but Gaddis’ natural position is right back. Real was not among the available substitutes, so it doesn’t provide clarity as to whom Curtin prefers. It should be noted Gaddis’ best season came on the left side during the 2014 campaign, so he is capable of playing the position in a pinch.

So Gaddis is the reliable veteran and a more defensively responsible choice. But as seen in the second half against the Crew, he’s reluctant to join the attack. It left winger David Accam too isolated on the flank.

Real is the antithesis— a green teenager who likes to push forward but sometimes at the expense of defensive positioning. Because of the Union’s organizational structure, though, Real was seasoned at Bethlehem Steel in 2017. There, the Brazilian-American from Drexel Hill, Pa. played over 1,600 minutes in 18 starts with one goal and one assist.

Considering all factors, you’d think Curtin would lean toward the safer choice. Does Curtin really want an 18-year-old making his debut on the road after missing time leading up to the match? Would he trust a back line with two teenagers on the left and and overall average age of 20.75?

Curtin, however, downplayed those factors. “It’s a hard spot, but there’s no easy spot,” said Curtin with a smile slowing creeping onto his face. He then mentioned the success of fellow first-year homegrowns Auston Trusty and Anthony Fontana. It’s those two players who may give Curtin the belief that Real can succeed, too.

The coach also mentioned Fabinho wasn’t the only injury on defense.

Center back Richie Marquez underwent surgery for a sports hernia and is expected to miss four to six weeks. Curtin praised Marquez for gutting it out last week to give the team depth on the bench. That depth will now be tested. It looks like McKenzie and Joshua Yaro will be competing for that bench spot behind first choice center backs Trusty and Jack Elliott.