Luke Rodgers Injury Update: Red Bulls Forward Training, Expected To Start

Luke Rodgers sat out the New York Red Bulls' 2-0 wild card round win over Dallas on Wednesday, but it looks like the striker will be fit to take on the Los Angeles Galaxy in the first leg of their conference semifinal tilt. According to Brian Lewis, Rodgers trained on Friday and head coach Hans Backe expects him to be ready to start on Sunday. That would complete his recovery from an inflamed knee, which kept him out of New York's playoff opener.

Injuries limited Rodgers to just 23 matches this season, but when he did play, he was a menace. He scored nine goals and his high work rate not only made him a fan favorite, but also helped create chances for Thierry Henry. With Rodgers back in the team, Dane Richards will be able to move back to the midfield, as opposed to forward, where he played in Rodgers' absence. That is especially important with Dax McCarty a doubt for Sunday's match and the team short on midfielders.