Brian Carroll on crutches at team practice

Brian Carroll was on crutches today at the Philadelphia Union’s practice, three days after leaving the game against D.C. United with an apparent foot injury. Carroll went down without contact late in the first half of Saturday’s draw, removed his shoe, and did not return. Warren Creavalle replaced him and finished the game.

Brian Carroll is out here on crutches

— Kevin Kinkead (@Kevin_Kinkead) August 9, 2016

Brian Carroll sporting crutches at Union training. That ain’t good.

— Matthew De George (@sportsdoctormd) August 9, 2016

One report has Carroll being out for between "3-6 weeks with (a)plantar fasciitis related injury." Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tendon(s) that connects the heel and toes.

Just talked with Jim Curtin on the @KYWPhillySoccer Show. Confirmed Brian Carroll out 3-6 weeks with plantir fasciitis related injury.

— Philly Soccer Page (@phillysoccerpg) August 9, 2016

Brian Carroll has played the fourth most minutes on the team as the midfielder sitting on top of the back line and his defensive presence has been a constant for Jim Curtin. Creavalle is really the only option to replace Carroll as long as he is out, and he’ll be more than a solid replacement. Creavalle has been the primary backup as the box-to-box midfielder this year but a more defensive role probably better suits his game.

The Union are now perilously thin at defensive midfield, and Maurice Edu’s return is even more urgent. If Creavalle happens to go down the Union will have to scramble and play a player out of his natural position – not ideal for a team who is now in a fight to make the playoffs.