HANOVER, N.J. – In recent weeks, the New York Red Bulls have seen more than a few familiar faces missing from their lineup. But Monday afternoon brought about some encouraging news.

Defensive reinforcements appear to be on the way in the form of fullback Kemar Lawrence, and centerback Ronald Zubar.

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“Kemar is looking close to game-ready,” head coach Jesse Marsch said after training on Monday. “Ronald is close to game-ready as well, so they may factor in on Wednesday. We just have to get through the next two days and see how they’re doing.”

Both opening day starters, Lawrence and Zubar would be welcome additions to a New York backline that has had some early season struggles.

A Jamaican international, Lawrence suffered a knee ligament strain in New York’s 1-0 defeat to the New England Revolution on April 1, but appears to be recovering nicely.

Zubar was dealt a hamstring blow in his side’s 4-3 victory over the Houston Dynamo on March 19. The Frenchman returned to training in full on April 5 and continues to make progress ahead of the team’s west coast trip to face the San Jose Earthquakes and Colorado Rapids.

Also on the mend, Gideon Baah and Gonzalo Veron continue to work their way back to match fitness. Both Baah and Veron exited the Dynamo match with hamstring injuries, but Marsch offered up some positive news in regards to their rehab efforts.

“Gideon and Gonzalo are both on the field again and moving around, close to training,” he added. “We’re hopeful that we’ll get through this week with them, then after these two games, they might start to become available.”

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