Paul Arriola
SEA
RW (LW)
Half-Space Orchestrator
Feb 5, 1995 (31)
Right
5'6"
146 lb
Seattle SoundersOn bench Saturday
Arriola (calf) is available as a substitute for the weekend's meeting with New York Red Bulls.
Analysis: Arriola had been inactive since Aug. 1 before regaining fitness ahead of this game. However, he's not yet ready to log a significant amount of minutes and will instead serve as an alternative to Jordan Morris and Paul Rothrock on the flanks. Arriola had failed to score or assist over 12 league appearances earlier this year, but he did make a decisive impact with two goals in CONCACAF Champions Cup action.
Could miss up to four weeks
Arriola is expected to miss up to four weeks with a calf injury, confirmed head coach Brian Schmetzer per Niko Moreno of MLS Espanol.
Analysis: Arriola is set for a longer absence after his calf injury picked vs Portland on Aug 1. He's struggled as is to keep healthy, only playing 12 times this season, starting just five games, as he is also coming off from a long term injury dating back to 2025.
Subs off with injury Saturday
Ariola left Saturday's clash against Portland Timbers after suffering an apparent knee issue in the opening minutes.
Analysis: Arriola felt some pain and was subbed off early with a non-contact injury, causing big concern for Seattle ahead of the Leagues Cup tournament. He had been deployed in an unusual right-back role with Alexander Roldan just returning from injury and Kalani Kossa-Rienzi relegated to the bench. However, if Arriola is ruled out due to the injury, one of those players will be expected to reappear in the starting lineup in upcoming contests.
Fit again
Arriola (groin) is on the bench for Thursday's match against Portland.
Analysis: Arriola is back from an injury he sustained before the World Cup break, as the midfielder finds his way back onto the bench. This will give the team more depth for the second part of the season, starting in three of his eight appearances, but yet to earn a goal contribution.
Dealing with adductor concern
Arriola could miss upcoming action due to an adductor muscle problem, the MLS reported Saturday.
Analysis: Arriola is a doubt heading into the World Cup break, with the severity of his issue still unknown. He made his third start of the season and played 61 minutes during the last league match on May 17, and his potential absence would force the team to a change on the left wing. In that case, Paul Rothrock will likely bounce back to a major role.
Sends four crosses in defeat
Arriola had two shots (one on goal) and four crosses (two accurate) in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Los Angeles Galaxy.
Analysis: Arriola wasn't particularly accurate with the end product, but in a game where the Sounders didn't do much offensively, the winger was one of their standout players. Arriola has been limited to just three starts in the current MLS campaign, but if he stays healthy, he should see more playing time after the 2026 FIFA World Cup break.
Recovered from injury
Arriola (groin) is back with the team for upcoming fixtures after manager Brian Schmetzer confirmed his availability for Saturday's game versus Sporting Kansas City, per Jackson Felts of KJR Radio.
Analysis: Arriola was limited in training at the beginning of the week but regained enough fitness to be an option again following a one-game absence. The attacker made his first two starts of the season just before getting hurt, but he failed to make a big impact. In any case, his return adds a solid asset in the rotation with Jordan Morris and Paul Rothrock on the wings.
Expected back for SKC clash
Arriola (groin) is expected to be available for Saturday's clash against Sporting Kansas City, according to Jackson Felts of Sounders Weekly Shows.
Analysis: Arriola had been limited to individual drills during Tuesday's session as he worked through the groin issue he picked up in mid-April, but the positive update from the club suggests he has made enough progress to be in contention for the weekend. The winger had been building momentum before the injury struck and his return gives Seattle more attacking options on the flanks, where he will compete with Paul Rothrock and Jordan Morris for playing time once fully back up to speed.
Training on side
Arriola (groin) was involved in individual drills during Tuesday's practice, according to Niko Moreno of Pulso Sports.
Analysis: Arriola is still a doubt for his side's next games due to the injury he picked up in mid-April. He was only starting to gain momentum following a quiet start to the season, and his current issue could limit his participation for a longer period. However, he'll challenge Paul Rothrock and Jordan Morris on the wings as soon as he's healthy.
Injured to face Dallas
Arriola is out for the time being due to an adductor injury, per the MLS Player Status Report.
Analysis: Arriola is a new entry on this report, and losing him to an adductor issue is a real blow for Seattle's attack, given his experience and ability to contribute in wide areas. He's been a reliable option for the Sounders and carries legitimate value when healthy and starting, making this one of the more impactful new absences across the entire report. Adductor injuries as out on first appearance, typically suggest at least two to three weeks on the sideline.
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