Sporting KC Injury Report: Who’s in and out vs. Real Salt Lake

Sporting KC return to action after the international break with a trip to face Real Salt Lake in Utah. The Wizards have taken just four points from their opening five matches, leaving them bottom of the Western Conference and chasing the pack.

Real Salt Lake, meanwhile, sit sixth with 10 points from 15 available and have won both of their home fixtures at America First Field. Saturday’s clash is a test for Sporting KC against one of the conference’s in-form teams.

Reinforcements arrive at the right time

Head coach Raphaël Wicky will at least have options. Several players have returned from injury, and more importantly, winter signing Capita is finally available after receiving his P-1 visa. 

Capita, who arrived from Radomiak Radom, offers flexibility across the front line and pace. For a team that has struggled to create consistent chances, his inclusion could be a major lift.

There is also a boost at left-back. Zorhan Bassong is available after injury and could make his first start of the campaign following his recent contract extension. Bassong’s return is timely, as Wicky’s other left-back options are now on the shelf with injuries.

Injuries still shaping selection decisions

Despite the positive news, Wicky will still be without four first-team players. Goalkeeping depth remains an issue. Back-up goalkeeper Stefan Cleveland is out with an ankle injury, while Ryan Schewe continues to recover from a hand problem. 

Cleveland is the third goalkeeper to miss time this season, leaving John Pulskamp under continued scrutiny for mistakes and without competition for his place.

Pulskamp’s recent performances have raised questions, particularly after a howler against the Colorado Rapids, but with Cleveland unavailable, there is no immediate alternative.

In defense, Wyatt Meyer joins the unavailable list after suffering an ankle injury against the Rapids. He had been deployed at full-back due to Bassong and Jayden Reid missing in week 5. Wicky has had to play players out of their preferred positions in the early stages of the season due to the fragile nature of the squad.

Wicky’s availability problems continue due to the absence of Reid, who also remains sidelined with an ankle injury. His continued absence makes Bassong’s return even more significant.

Real Salt Lake dealing with their own issues

Real Salt Lake are not fully healthy either. Head coach Pablo Mastroeni could be without as many as nine players, including key attacking and defensive options.

Several players are listed as questionable, including Juan Jose Arias, Zach Booth, Kobi Henry, and DeAndre Yedlin, while confirmed absences include Emeka Eneli, Aiden Hezarkhani, Ari Piol, Juan Manuel Sanabria, and Tyler Wolff. Even so, their early-season form suggests they have the depth to cope.

What’s at stake in MLS week 6

For Sporting Kansas City a win could lift them from 15th to as high as ninth, depending on results elsewhere. The Western Conference is congested in the early stages. Sporting KC simply need points to help them stay in the playoff race before the gap gets too big. 

With players returning and new options available, this trip to Utah offers a chance to showcase what Sporting KC can really do. Whether Sporting Kansas City take their chance will depend on