Artur’s injury gives Abu opportunity

Coach Gregg Berhalter didn’t hide his disappointment Tuesday.

The day after Crew SC announced that central midfielder Artur, 21, is expected to miss the upcoming threegame homestand while he recovers from surgery to repair a broken left wrist suffered Saturday in a 2-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls, Berhalter called the loss “a shame.”

“I think he was in good form,” Berhalter said. “He has a tremendous work rate, he covers a tremendous amount of ground. He’s able to win a lot of balls, so we’ll lose some of that.”

Artur’s injury does, however, create a chance for a few players capable of joining captain Wil Trapp in the central midfield, including Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed 7:30 p.m. Saturday Ch. 53, Spectrum Sports WWCD-FM (102.5), WVKO-FM (103.1, in Spanish)

Abu, signed in late January.

“I think that on one hand it’s terrible what happened, but on the other hand it gives another guy an opportunity to show (what he has),” Berhalter said.

The opportunity for Abu, 25, who started the season opener against the Chicago Fire before making his next five appearances as a substitute, was sudden Saturday, as Artur was injured in the opening minute.

“I was not really warm when I came on,” Abu said. “Things happen quickly and I have to come in and so the first 20 minutes it’s like I’m warming up, so when the game kept going I’m settling in.”

Berhalter said Artur will progress first to biking, followed by running, but did not have a specific timetable for when he would begin either.

For now, Abu and perhaps others will have extended minutes to show the Crew they deserve playing time. Berhalter also mentioned center back Nicolai Naess as an option to slot into the central midfield.

Abu said the expected increase in playing time is not about him, but about a team he hopes can move on from a Saturday in which it fell short of expectations.

“I’m just looking forward to giving my best and to making sure the team wins,” Abu said. “That’s most important is we are working toward something. If I’m given a chance I’ll make sure I give my best and the team wins.”

Crew link to Brazilian player: ‘rumors’

Multiple Brazilian outlets reported Monday night that Santos FC attacking midfielder Rafael Longuine, 26, had received a contract offer from the Crew amid his ongoing negotiations to renew with the Brazilian club.

A source close to Longuine said Tuesday the midfielder intends to re-sign with Santos. The source also said Longuine, who has received MLS interest in the past, is “one of many” players the Crew has evaluated recently in Brazil and called the reports “nothing but rumors.”

Asked about Longuine on Tuesday, Berhalter declined to comment.