by DAVE MARTINEZ

Ronald Zubar’s injury issues have followed him into 2016.

EoS has learned the veteran French centerback picked up a knee injury during preseason training. He has traveled out to New Jersey for further evaluation.

Zubar picked up the injury against the Jacksonville Armada in the team’s second preseason scrimmage of the year. He left in the 25th minute, replaced by MLS SuperDraft pick, Zach Carroll.

There is little known about the severity of the injury at this time, though it has been described as simply “knee discomfort.” The return to New Jersey is said to be precautionary as to avoid the pitfalls that plagued Zubar’s 2015 season.

Last year, Zubar suffered both quad and hamstring injuries throughout the season, limiting him to 12 match appearances and eight starts overall. Like last season, the Red Bulls envisioned Zubar as a potential week-to-week starter, particularly with the absence of Matt Miazga. Currently, the club counts Zubar in a small pool of centerbacks which also includes the aforementioned Carroll, Karl Ouimette and the injured Damien Perrinelle.

Update: Following this report, the New York Red Bulls offered a statement from head coach Jesse Marsch.

“Ronald is back in New Jersey getting some treatment for an injury,” said Red Bulls Head Coach Jesse Marsch. “We trust our medical team to monitor his progress and we hope to have Ronald back in camp soon.”