August 24, 2012
RAFA'S RECUPERATION
Ailing Marquez expected to return from Mexico on Friday, could return vs. Columbus on Sept. 15

Rafa Marquez needed a hyperthermia machine in Mexico to help him recover from a calf injury. Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images

By Kristian R. Dyer
BigAppleSoccer.com Contributing Editor

HARRISON, N.J. – Red Bull, the advertising jingle goes, can give you wings. Apparently, however, it can’t give you a hyperthermia machine; one has to go to Mexico for that.

Red Bulls defender and oft injury list participant Rafa Marquez has been down in Mexico the past week utilizing a hyperthermia machine that provides compression on the body. Marquez, who has played only nine times this year, has just four appearances since May 19.

He has a calf injury.

Coach Hans Backe said that Marquez is expected to return to the area on Friday night and will receive treatment locally from now on. A team trainer accompanied him down to Mexico.

If all goes well then Marquez could be set for the Sept. 15 match against Columbus at Red Bull Arena, following a short break in the schedule for the club. In fact, it sounds like Backe is banking on just that.

“After the break I’d say, absolutely. I’d be surprised if he’s not in again after the break,” he said.

“He will be back for that, I’m 100 percent sure of that.”