Andre Blake has fracture in hand, ruled out for Columbus Crew game

The bad news is Andre Blake has a fracture in his hand. The good news is there’s still a possibility that the Philadelphia Union goalkeeper will be back for the postseason.

“With Andre, unfortunately, there was a fracture in the hand that will rule him out certainly for this match,” head coach Jim Curtin said in a press conference Friday. “The hope is, if things go well, there is a possibility that it is not a season-ending injury.”

With Blake out Joe Bendik will likely be the one starting against his former team on Sunday in Columbus. Bendik made his Union debut in the 90th minute replacing Blake in the 2-1 win over Chicago Fire Wednesday night.

“Joe has you know almost 200 games of MLS experience,” Curtin said. “He knows what this league is like, he knows what it’s like on the road so we have full confidence in him.”

The 31-year-old Bendik made six appearances for the Columbus Crew last season before being traded to the Union last July. He has made 173 career starts.

A win for the Union on Sunday would clinch the Supporters’ Shield and a Champions League berth.

“We’ll do what’s what’s safe and smart for Dre, for his safety and health it’s really important that the hand heals properly before we put him back out on the field,” Curtin said. “If everything does go smoothly, I think there’s a real possibility that he could be back in time for the playoffs.”

In other injury news, Warren Creavalle will be available for selection Sunday and Ray Gaddis is making progress toward returning after leaving Wednesday’s game with an injury. Jose Martinez will still be out after testing positive for Covid-19.