Steve Ralston Injury Update
Written by Jeff Lemieux on June 16, 2010 – 4:59 pm -By now you should all be aware that Steve Ralston made his return to the Revolution this past Sunday night, entering the Cruzeiro match in the 72nd minute to a standing ovation. Unfortunately, before many fans even took their seats after the ovation, Ralston fell awkwardly inside the penalty area and as he extended his left arm to brace himself, dislocated his left elbow upon impact. He instantly left the field with a look of disbelief on his face, and he was replaced in the lineup shortly thereafter.
Today we were given an update on Ralston’s condition, and we’re told that the veteran is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, giving him an expected return date sometime in mid-to-late July. He was sporting a cast when he appeared at this morning’s training session, although this afternoon he had the cast removed and is now wearing a brace to keep the arm in place.
WARNING: After the jump you can view a picture of the incident as Ralston’s arm makes impact with the ground, which we felt was appropriate for fans to view as it displays the bizarre circumstances of the injury (essentially, players fall like this all the time with no repercussions). If you are squeamish in any way, I suggest you do not view the rest of this blog post.
I spoke with head coach Steve Nicol after training today and got his reaction to Ralston’s unfortunate injury. Here’s what he had to say …
“The doctor said with that type of injury, there’s a miniscule point that you have to land on for that to happen, because it’s one of the hardest joints to knock out. So, the chances of that happening are next to none. But yet, it happened - to him and to us, because now we lose him as well. Not only does he not get to play, but we don’t get him to play either.”
Here’s the image capturing Ralston’s injury at the moment of impact …
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June 16th, 2010 at 5:26 pm
That’s just wrong. What makes this injury so much worse is that he was only on the field for a minute, if that, before getting injured. It was so bizarre listening to the match and hearing Brad and Jay going “Wait..what?”
Here’s wishing Rally a quick recovery!
June 16th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Mmmm… tasty desu yo.
June 16th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Wow, that sure is a freak accident. I was so sorry to see it happen to our beloved Rally. Even more so that we were still celebrating his return when it happened. Get well soon Rally, we miss you already!
June 16th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
stevie can’t catch a break
June 16th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
Just when it looked like our midfield was set with Joseph, Perovic, and Ralston, this happens. What a season, hope you get back soon Steve. Back when they had the special draft for the Miami and Tampa bay players, I told my friends that the Revs should draft Ralston, because he could pick up the midfield. I still think you can do it. Come back soon and kick these guys in the butt to start playing!
June 16th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Come down to Florida and play for the Rowdies, Steve!
June 16th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
First Burpo, now this. We must lead the league with freakish injury photos.
June 17th, 2010 at 1:15 am
sum it up in one word…DEVASTATING! Agree with above post..Steve can not catch a break. It will in no way stop him from giving his all from the side lines with his leadership and motivation. Still a major asset to this team, and we haven’t seen the last of him ON the pitch either! Stay positive, Steve, and know so many people wish you well!!
June 17th, 2010 at 10:26 am
Fortunately, it’s ONLY 4-6 weeks.
In that time, his knee will get stronger and he’ll be able to hit the ground (not literally!) running.
Hopefully he’ll still be able to work on his conditioning and participate in some non-contact parts of the practices.
June 17th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
I’m guessing that his throw-ins will tend to drift to the left now.
June 17th, 2010 at 6:26 pm
This season has not been much in the way of attractive soccer, but as a black sports comedy I think the 2010 New England Revolution are a hit. Nothing but bad luck and unfortunate circumstances everywhere they turn. Let’s all hope that karma kicks in and brings us some good news for the team in the second half of the season. Get well soon, Rally!
June 17th, 2010 at 6:29 pm
These are not the best news, but it could have been worse. At least Steve Ralston should get fit for the last and important matches of this season. This and the last season are truly not the best for us, so it must come better afterwards.
And after the fantastic victory of Switzerland against Spain, which was as fantastic as the US victory against Spain, I believe that even a injury tortured Revs team can win the MLS Championship in the end.
Best wishes from “out-of-controll” Switzerland
June 17th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
So very distressed to hear - and see- this. Wishing Mr. Ralston the best, but I know he has the strength of character to motivate the Revs from the sidelines. No doubt the return of his presence at least in the training field will lift the spirits of all the players. Get well soon again, Steve.
June 17th, 2010 at 6:32 pm
I wasd so happy to see that he was back. now he is gone again. I like him on the Revs. i am such a big fan!!