Cosmos pair to remain sidelined for Armada matchup Sunday

The New York Cosmos were without a pair of players that I thought would be starting last Sunday, when both Yasmani Duk and Danny Szetela didn't dress against the Ottawa Fury. According to Big Apple Soccer, neither of that pair will be available for week two, either, when the Cosmos host Tony Meola and the Jacksonville Armada.

Szetela's absence likely won't be too problematic, with Michael Lahoud and Ruben Bover impressing in week one. In addition to that pair, Adam Moffat will be available again from the bench, giving Gio Savarese plenty of options in Danny's absence.

In Duk's case, his continued absence from the lineup likely means another start for Jairo Arrieta, who was very, very good in the opener. Lucky Mkosana is also an option, but with fixture congestion not yet an issue, I'd expect to see Arrieta again. Savarese expects Duk to be back and ready to go for week three, when the Cosmos head to Indianapolis to face the Eleven.

While the excellent depth that the Cosmos have built this winter should allow the club to comfortably deal with these absences, it will be awfully nice to see what the team looks like when 100% fit and available. With any luck, that will happen soon.