Baribo and Uhre out for Charlotte FC match

Leading goal scorer Tai Baribo and strike partner Mikael Uhre will be out at least for Saturday’s match against Charlotte FC, thinning a Philadelphia Union attack that is already out Quinn Sullivan on international duty.

Head coach Bradley Carnell told media on Thursday that neither player – who have combined for 20 goal contributions – will be available for selection.

“The next two weeks, I’m not even thinking about them,” Carnell said. “If they start progressing within the next two weeks and then spend another 10 days getting ready, I’m not sure of those timelines.”

Baribo, who leads the league with 13 goals, is still in Israel. Uhre has been training to the side with the team in Chester.

Bruno Damiani will lead the line on Saturday with Chris Donovan the likely candidate to slot in as the second striker. Carnell did note that he could switch the 4-2-2-2 formation to more of a 4-2-3-1 with Damiani the lone striker. With Quinn away with the USMNT, whether there are 2 or 3 tens will mean opportunity for players to step up. Cavan Sullivan and Ben Bender are two likely candidates.

“I do feel we have created some depth in and around there,” Carnell said. “And I also think that, yeah, based on the Atlas game, it shows guys are coming along in a real good way with Union II. So thinking Eddie Davis, Markus Anderson, Ben Bender, there’s been a few guys that have put their hands up and in a real meaningful way to be an option for us going forward here.”

The Union will also get another break before their next match on June 25, giving additional opportunity for rest and recovery.