Player

Shuttleworth back in training as he recovers from concussion suffered last week

Bobby Shuttleworth - Casa Grande

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Bobby Shuttleworth has returned to training one week after suffering a concussion, but it remains to be seen whether the goalkeeper will be available for selection when the New England Revolution visit the Chicago Fire on Saturday night at Toyota Park.


Shuttleworth was sidelined for last weekend’s 1-0 victory over New York City FC after suffering the head injury during a training session last Wednesday, and while he’s progressed to the point of full training, New England is still understandably taking a cautious approach.


“There’s still protocol,” head coach Jay Heaps said on Tuesday morning. “These are the scenarios where you just have to be very cautious, and not push too fast, too soon.”


Veteran backup Brad Knighton played in Shuttleworth’s stead last weekend, making three saves and commanding the penalty area to register the Revolution’s first shutout since mid-June.


“I thought Brad had a good game,” said Heaps. “He wasn’t called upon to make anything spectacular, but he made all the sound saves, handled the rebounds and handled the backline, which was really good.”


The Revs will continue to monitor Shuttleworth’s progress as they bring him along gradually throughout the week, and should he be available, Heaps may have a decision to make as to which goalkeeper to put between the pipes on Saturday night.


But the goalkeeper position is not a huge area of concern for the Revolution either way; players and coaches feel equally as comfortable with either Shuttleworth or Knighton taking the reins.


“I think the biggest thing you can say is that we don’t really think about it, because we feel good about both options,” said left back Chris Tierney, who has plenty of experience playing in front of both ‘keepers. “Both guys are proven players in this league, and whoever plays, we’re comfortable that we can get a result.”