Minnesota United’s starting goalkeeper John Alvbage has improved from the gash on his knee but might not be ready to return for Saturday’s game against New England.

Coach Adrian Heath said Alvbage will have stitches removed soon from his left knee after being cleated and carted off in the final minutes of the 6-1 loss to Atlanta on March 12. He rehabbed during training Tuesday and could return to full training later this week.

“John is feeling a lot better after the weekend,” Heath said Tuesday.

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“I would think it’s probably going to be a bit early for all three (players to return) this weekend,” Heath said.

Without Alvbage, backup goalie Bobby Shuttleworth made one save and gave up two goals in United’s 2-2 draw with the Colorado Rapids last Saturday.

Goalie Billy Heavner, who was signed last week to a short-term contact, remained with the club and was training Tuesday.

WHY NO APPEAL?

United declined to appeal the red card given to defender Justin Davis in the 70th minute of Saturday’s match. His cleat connected with Marlon Hairston, an act that Hairston called a “freak accident.”

“You try to speak to one or two people that have some influence, shall we say, and it came back to us that we better not appeal it, so that’s fine,” Heath said.

Each MLS team posts a $25,000 bond to the MLS office to cover two unsuccessful appeals. The third appeal costs the club, and clubs want to use the sparse send-off appeals wisely.

“They want to stop people frivolously contesting every decision,” Heath said. “We had a good look at it, and we decided not to use a sort of challenge, if you like, at this incidence.”

Davis will be suspended for Saturday’s game at New England, and Heath still disagrees with the card that wasn’t preceded by a foul.

“I was disappointed on the day and having seen it three or four times, I’ve not changed my mind,” Heath said. “I thought it was a harsh decision.”