Sporting KC injury report: Zorhan Bassong ruled out again; Jayden Reid to return

Raphael Wicky has more injury concerns to manage ahead of Sporting KC’s home fixture on Saturday against the San Jose Earthquakes.The Wizards fell 3-0 to San Jose on opening day, and the teams will meet again in MLS Week 7 with Sporting Kansas City looking for points.

Sporting KC will once again be without left-back Zorhan Bassong, who has reaggravated his previously injured hamstring. Bassong initially suffered the injury ahead of the Week 1 match against the Earthquakes and went on to miss the club’s first five games of the campaign. His return lasted just 26 minutes off the bench in last week’s 3-1 loss to Real Salt Lake before the same issue resurfaced.

The latest setback could sideline Bassong for another six weeks, continuing a frustrating stretch for both player and club. His absence has added pressure on the team’s fragile defense, as Wicky has had to move players out of their natural positions.

Reid return provides needed stability

There is, however, some positive news for Sporting KC. Left-back Jayden Reid is set to return after missing back-to-back games with an ankle injury suffered in training ahead of the team’s Week 5 loss to the Colorado Rapids.

Reid had been a consistent performer across the opening four matches, and his return could bring some much-needed stability. Sporting KC collected four points from those four games with Reid in the starting lineup, and his presence gives Wicky the option to return to a more traditional back four rather than rotating defenders across multiple roles.

Defensive consistency has been difficult to find this season, so even one reliable piece returning to the lineup carries significance. Sporting KC allowed 14 goals in the opening six matches. 

Defensive depth continues to be tested

Wyatt Meyer remains sidelined with an ankle injury sustained against the Rapids. Before that setback, Meyer had been ever-present in the starting XI, playing all 90 minutes in the previous four matches. 

His absence further limits Wicky’s defensive options and removes another player who had been providing consistency. It could lead to Diego Borges getting his first start as a Sporting KC player.

In goal, back-up Stefan Cleveland is still unavailable due to an ankle injury, leaving John Pulskamp as the undisputed starter. Pulskamp has come under increased pressure from supporters in recent weeks, but with no real competition in training, his place in the lineup remains secure for now.

Third-choice goalkeeper Ryan Schewe is also out with a hand injury and has yet to feature this season. While his absence does not directly impact the starting XI, it further highlights the lack of depth currently available to Wicky.

San Jose could welcome key attacker back

The San Jose Earthquakes may have a key player returning of their own. Forward Timo Werner missed last weekend’s win over San Diego FC with an ankle issue but could be available for selection against Sporting KC.

However, Bruce Arena will be without defenders Vitor Costa and Dejuan Jones, which could provide Sporting KC with scoring opportunities if they can take advantage.

San Jose enters the match in strong form, having taken 15 points from a possible 18. The Earthquakes’ defense has been the second-best in MLS through six matches, conceding just one goal. Only Los Angeles FC’s defense played better, conceding zero goals in six games.