Friedrich out at least 2 more weeks
BY SETH GRUEN For Sun-Times Media March 11, 2013 10:40PM
Aston Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor is tripped up by the Fire’s Arne Friedrich in the first half. | David Banks~Getty Images
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Updated: April 13, 2013 6:37AM
The injury to Fire center back Arne Friedrich’s right hamstring is more serious that the club had initially indicated.
Just days after coach Frank Klopas classified the German as day-to-day, the club announced via its website that Friedrich left for Germany on Sunday night to work with his long-time personal therapist, Thomas Fennewald.
The Fire says that Friedrich could remain in Germany for up to two weeks.
Friedrich strained his hamstring days before the Fire’s opener against the Galaxy in suburban Los Angeles.
“Thomas has been my therapist for the last 10 years and he’s the most talented guy,” Friedrich said in a statement released on the website. “For me it’s the best way to get back as soon as possible and he’s the best therapist I’ve ever seen.”
His absence has been felt on both ends of the field. The Fire’s goal differential (-5) is the worst in MLS.
While Friedrich’s primary responsibilities are to defend, he plays an integral role for the team in its offensive set pieces. He is frequently targeted on corner kicks and free kicks.
By drawing double teams, Friedrich has the ability to free up other players for scoring opportunities. The Fire (0-2-0) has yet to score a goal this season.
“It’s not easy especially when the team isn’t winning,” Friedrich said. “It’s a worse situation to watch from the stands and not be able to do anything. This is the game though and we have plenty of time to make the playoffs.”
