Real Salt Lake's injury report is steadily increasing, but for coach John Ellinger's sake, at least they're all of the probable variety.
Prior to last weekend's loss at Colorado, midfielder Kenny Cutler (rib contusion), defender Kevin Novak (hand fracture) and Daniel Torres (leg strain) were all listed as probable on the MLS injury report, and not surprisingly, they all started.
During the match, Torres suffered a mild concussion and was replaced in the 13th minute, while keeper Scott Garlick began experiencing back spasms late in the half and was replaced by Jay Nolly at halftime.
Ellinger says he expects all four players to be available this weekend.
"Scott was pretty good today," Ellinger said following Tuesday's practice in which Garlick participated in all drills and scrimmages.
As for Torres, there doesn't appear to be any lingering effects from the concussion, but it's the leg strain that's his biggest concern. RSL's training staff is taking a cautious approach with Torres.
"Danny's one of those guys you've got to chain off the field, so he doesn't get out there and practice," said Ellinger.
As for RSL's two more seriously injured players, Paul Broome continues to rehab his ankle in Southern California, while Seth Trembly began jogging this week after ACL surgery on his left knee during training camp.
SOONER THAN LATER: The way things are going for the United States and Costa Rica at the World Cup, Eddie Pope and Douglas Sequeira could be back in Real Salt Lake uniforms in just a couple of weeks.
Sequeira's Costa Rica squad dropped its opener to Germany last week, and the Ticos are back in action today against Ecuador. A loss guarantees that Costa Rica won't advance, making the Ticos' June 20 match against Poland its World Cup farewell.
As for Pope, the U.S. National Team is in a similarly dire situation after its thumping at the hands of the Czech Republic on Monday. Realistically, a loss to Italy on Saturday eliminates the United States, and Pope would be coming home after its game on June 22.
There's a chance Pope and Sequeira could be back for RSL's June 28 game at Chicago, but realistically, they probably won't be back until July 4 against Chivas USA.
"I think you have to give them some time off," Ellinger said.
If either Costa Rica or the United States win their next match, there's a chance Pope and Sequeira could be gone even longer.
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com