:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18932473/timbers_training.0.jpeg)
An uncommon afternoon practice at Jeld-Wen Field took place on Tuesday as the Portland Timbers trotted out their limited available players. With injuries and international absences taking their toll, just fifteen outfield players warmed up with John Cone before media members were sequestered for the remainder of the session. One of those was Ben Zemanski, who is suspended for Saturday's match. Another was Pa Kah, who may or may not be suspended. Milos Kocic, Jake Gleeson and David Meves worked out with goalkeepers coach Mike Toshack at the south end of the stadium.
Injuries and Absences
Diego Valeri watched his teammates warm up from behind the north end goal, chatting with player relations manager Pablo Moreira. Valeri was not wearing the team's training kit or cleats, instead wearing the team issued t-shirt and shorts usually found on players who are out injured.
Diego Chara sat down on the turf for several minutes and was examined by trainer Nik Wald during the first stage of warm-ups. He quickly popped back up after Wald seemed to be looking at Chara's left foot or ankle. The remainder of time before the media was sequestered, Chara appeared to be fine. The session was not a short one, lasting for nearly 90 minutes after the media was asked to go inside.
Ryan Miller was absent today as he prepares for surgery to insert a rod into his leg.
Will Johnson warmed up with rest of the team but still seemed to be favoring his injured shoulder. He joked around with teammates and with Gavin Wilkinson, when he passed by, but looked to move a bit more gingerly than the likes of Futty Danso or David Horst. Afterward he spoke to the gathered media and talked about how he couldn't even travel to away games because it was too hard to watch the team play and not be a part.
Frederic Piquionne was dressed like Valeri and disappeared even before his teammates began fully warming up. He was not on an exercise bike.
Jack Jewsbury and Brent Richards rode exercise bikes on the east side of the stadium today, though Richards did go through the initial set of warm ups.
Ryan Johnson, Alvas Powell, and Donovan Ricketts were not present as they are with the Jamaican National team for their upcoming World Cup Qualifying matches.