He’s doing very well. He’s been pushing it hard in training sessions, he’s been full out. He’s been doing fitness to get his fitness level back up to 90 minutes, and I think he’s going to make himself available for selection. – RSL coach Jeff Cassar

SANDY — Expect Chris Schuler back on the field this weekend.

After Monday’s training session, Real Salt Lake coach Jeff Cassar said he fully expects Schuler to be available for selection this Saturday in Game 1 against the L.A. Galaxy (6 p.m., NBCSN). And realistically, even though Cassar didn’t say it, RSL fans know that if Schuler’s available, he’s gonna start.

He’s the most physically imposing defender on RSL’s roster, and someone who’s a huge asset on set pieces, both attacking and defending.

The big question surrounding Schuler is potential rust.

He hasn’t played since Oct. 5 after fracturing his nose and some bones around his eye socket against Chivas USA. He’s wearing a facemask in practice to prevent further injury, something he’ll wear in the game as well.

“He’s doing very well. He’s been pushing it hard in training sessions, he’s been full out. He’s been doing fitness to get his fitness level back up to 90 minutes, and I think he’s going to make himself available for selection,” said Cassar.

Schuler is now on his third different mask, as he’s asked doctors to tweak previous versions in a trial and error process over the past week or so to find a comfortable fit.

Cassar said Schuler’s performances haven’t suffered in practice as result of the mask, and even during fitness drills he’s not having any side effects.

Schuler started all 25 matches he appeared in this season, by far a career high for a player with a penchant for long-term injuries. A significant foot injury limited Schuler to nine starts in 2012 and 16 last season.

The silver lining amid the inconsistency is Schuler’s ability to come back from injury, and teammate Tony Beltran said he’s been very, very good at it.

“The past few years he’s had a lot of troubles with injuries, injuries that have kept him out for long periods of time. But when he comes back he puts the work in right away, and in a very short amount of time he’s playing at a very high level. I don’t have any worries about Chris Schuler,” said Beltran.

BUZZING AROUND: Cassar ran his plays through RSL's first full practice on Monday since the club’s season-ending victory last Wednesday, and there was a definite playoff buzz around the grounds.

“We’re all excited. I think the energy just this morning has been really cool to see. Everybody’s just buzzing around the field. This is what we all work for and we’re excited to get started,” said captain Kyle Beckerman.

Ironically enough, everyone is thrilled not to be starting until the weekend. Originally it was looking like RSL would be forced to host this Wednesday’s West wildcard game, but it avoided that fate as Dallas lost last weekend to remain as the fourth seed.

Third-seed RSL now has 10 days between its last regular season game and the playoffs, and Cassar said being able to rest his players both physically and mentally ahead of the playoffs is a huge advantage.

“With a full week we get to do it all, and hopefully we’ll put on a good performance against L.A.,” said Cassar.

James Edward is Deseret News prep editor and Real Salt Lake beat writer.