Efraín Morales
CFM
CB
Controlled Centre Back
Mar 4, 2004 (22)
Right
6'3"
183 lb
CF MontréalOn bench against Charlotte
Morales (toe) is on the bench Wednesday versus Charlotte.
Analysis: Morales could see action for the first time in over a month, though it remains unclear how many minutes he can play. The defender should eventually emerge as a real challenger to Brandan Craig and Brayan Vera for center-back roles and may be a reliable source of clearances and tackles as soon as he sees meaningful involvement. However, Montreal are currently struggling to secure clean sheets.
Back to training
Morales (toe) is back in training with Montreal ahead of the trip to the Union on Saturday, per Maxime Truman of Dans Les Coulisses.
Analysis: Morales is back on the grass in training after being diagnosed with a fractured toe. He's missed the last four matches and may miss a few more, but he isn't far off from returning,vlikely needing another week or two of training before rejoining the squad, provided he avoids setbacks.
Suspected toe fracture
Morales (toe) is dealing with a suspected fracture that could sideline him for two to three weeks if confirmed, Nilton Jorge of Couscous Piri Piri reports.
Analysis: Morales's absence from Monday's session, now suspected to be a toe fracture, threatens to sideline the Bolivian international for two to three weeks if the injury is confirmed. That would be a notable setback for Montreal considering how central he has been to the defense, missing just four matches all year as a regular starter. With Brayan Vera and Brandan Craig also unable to finish training on Wednesday, the club's center-back options are suddenly thinner than expected, which could mean an opportunity for Brayan Ceballos to make his Montreal debut in the middle of defense.
Absent from team training
Morales was not training with the team Monday likely due to an ankle issue suffered in Saturday's 11v11 training session, although he was able to finish the session at the time, according to Maxime Truman of DL Coulisses.
Analysis: Morales has been a key defensive contributor this season, totaling 60 clearances, 21 tackles, 21 interceptions and 18 blocked shots through 14 appearances, along with two assists, including a simple pass that led to a stunning long range goal in the draw with New England Revolution. His status will be worth tracking over the coming days to determine whether the absence is tied to the earlier ankle knock or simply time off.
Credited with assist
Morales assisted once to go with zero corners and two chances created in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus New England Revolution. He also added six clearances and three blocked shots.
Analysis: If this isn't Morales' easiest assist of his career, it should come quite close to it, as he simply passed Brayan Vera the ball before the defender unleashed an unstoppable shot from over 30 yards past Matt Turner. Morales has two assists this season, but most of his upside comes from his defensive work. He has 60 clearances, 21 tackles, 21 interceptions and 18 blocked shots through 14 appearances.
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