Real Salt Lake: Russell raring, ready to go again

This is the weekend Robbie Russell finally gets back in the mix.

That doesn't necessarily mean he'll play or even travel to New York, but it's no longer about his shoulder or fitness. Now it's about whether Real Salt Lake's coaching staff believes Russell can make an impact in this Saturday's game at the New York Red Bulls.

Many believed Russell would be ready to go last week, but his soccer fitness just wasn't quite good enough for coach Jason Kreis, even though Russell played 80 minutes in last Wednesday's scrimmage against a local club team.

In the weeks prior, Russell was limited by pain he was still experiencing in the right shoulder he had surgically repaired five months ago.

Even though he says there's still a little pain, it's pain he's playing through in training each day and pain he's anxious to deal with in a meaningful match.

"That's just the way that type of injury works. It takes a long time for it to feel completely normal, and it's that last 5 percent that takes the longest to recuperate from," said Russell.

Russell was a key contributor throughout Real Salt Lake's run to the Western Conference final. He's versatile enough to play several different positions, and that versatility will force RSL's coaching staff to take a long, hard look at getting him on the field this week.

"Robbie looks like he's going to be in consideration for the 18," said Kreis about Russell's chances of making the trip to New York.

It's unlikely that Kreis will tinker with a starting lineup that's produced two straight victories, so if Russell plays this weekend it will likely be as a substitute.

WORKING HIS WAY BACK: RSL defender Ian Joy practiced fully for the second straight day on Tuesday and is nearly completely recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered in the club's final preseason game.

Nonetheless, he's probably still a week or two away from regaining his fitness and challenging for playing time.

"It was good to see him participate in the 11 aside today and get 45 minutes, it was a good sign but I think we need to be a little more patient there," said Kreis.

DEADLINE DAY: Today is the MLS transfer deadline, meaning an official announcement on a pair of Real Salt Lake players is expected soon.