Zorhan Bassong
SKC
CM
Box-to-Box
May 7, 1999 (27)
Left
5'11"
159 lb
Sporting KCDoubtful with knock
Bassong's status is under assessment after he suffered a knock during the match against Atlanta, with the team hoping he avoids a sever issue, Daniel Sperry of The Kansas City Star reports.
Analysis: Bassong is an essential piece of his side's midfield, and they will likely give him some time to recover if he's dealing with an important blow, but he shouldn't miss many games due to the issue. He had been active in terms of ball recovery and distribution, though his offensive impact was largely limited in recent games. Jacob Bartlett and Kwaku Agyabeng are options to absorb any minutes Bassong misses in upcoming matches.
Starting against Rapids
Bassong (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Colorado Rapids.
Analysis: Bassong will stay in the main lineup in league play after recovering from an issue he picked up during his last appearance on Aug. 1. Given that he didn't miss a long period, he should continue to see meaningful playing time while holding all-around value. His inclusion means Manu Garcia and Jacob Bartlett must wait for an opportunity off the bench for now.
Exits with discomfort Saturday
Bassong was forced to leave the field with a potential fitness problem in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Houston Dynamo.
Analysis: Bassong limped off towards the final stretch of this game, and it remains a doubt whether he suffered a considerable injury. He has been an active defensive midfielder over the last seven MLS game weeks, so losing him to an injury would be significant news for the squad. Luckily for them, he'll have a couple of weeks to work on his recovery with SKC not playing in the Leagues Cup. If Bassong is ruled out at some point, Manu Garcia and Jacob Bartlett will be in line to absorb any playing time he misses.
Dealing with cramps
Bassong was forced off in the 76th minute of Thursday's 3-2 loss to St. Louis City due to cramps, according to Daniel Sperry of The Kansas City Star, with the humid conditions contributing to several players on Sporting KC cramping during the match.
Analysis: Bassong contributed one shot, two tackles (one won) and seven clearances before the cramping issue forced him off late in the contest. The cramping does not appear tied to any underlying injury and is more likely a byproduct of the humid conditions, so he should be available for the team's next fixture against Minnesota on July 22 barring further complications.
Option off bench Saturday
Bassong (hamstring) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Seattle Sounders.
Analysis: Bassong has been included in the squad after being limited to just 26 minutes off the bench this season due to hamstring problems, with a return to his familiar depth role representing the natural next step in his recovery. The defender had been operating in a rotational capacity before the injury further restricted his involvement, and his return to the bench is in line with the standing he had established within the squad prior to the setback. His reintegration into regular matchday involvement is a welcome development, with the coaching staff expected to manage his minutes carefully as he works his way back to full fitness.
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