Crew's Light Roster to be Put to the Test

The Columbus Crew are facing a significant challenge as four key players have been called up for international duty, potentially impacting their ability to sustain their early-season success. With Max Arfsten, Patrick Schulte, Mo Farsi, and Taha Habroune all set to represent their national teams, the Crew's depth will be put to the test.

Key Players Missing

Max Arfsten and Patrick Schulte have been called up to the United States Men's National Team for the CONCACAF Nations League. Arfsten, who recently scored his first goal of the season for the Crew, and Schulte, who has recorded two clean sheets this season, are crucial to the team's performance.

Mo Farsi will join the Algerian national team for World Cup qualifying matches. Farsi has been a consistent presence in the Crew's defense, providing stability and contributing offensively with an assist.

Taha Habroune is set to play for the U.S. Under-20 squad in preparation for the U-20 World Cup. His absence will be felt in the midfield, where he has seen sporadic minutes.

The absence of these players comes at a critical time for the Crew, who are already facing injuries and red card suspensions going into this weekend. Injuries to Steven Moreira and defender Rudy Camacho as well as a red card suspension to Malte Amundson will leave the Crew to rely on Andres Herrera, Yevhen Cheberko and Sean Zawadzki on the back line.

New Faces Could See the Field

Nancy may rely on two new faces in this stressful period of injuries, suspensions, and international call-ups. Lassi Lappalainen and Amar Sejdic bring a wealth of MLS experience to the Columbus Crew, though their fit within the team remains to be seen.

Lappalainen, a versatile winger, spent six seasons with CF Montréal, where he tallied 15 goals and 15 assists in 99 regular-season appearances. His familiarity with head coach Wilfried Nancy's system could ease his transition. Sejdic, a central midfielder, has played for CF Montréal, Atlanta United, and Nashville SC, accumulating 95 regular-season games with 2 goals and 3 assists. Known for his technical skills and tactical flexibility, Sejdic's experience could prove invaluable at different positions as the Crew navigate a challenging season. Both players have the potential to make significant contributions, but their integration into the team dynamics will be crucial for their success.

While the international call-ups are a testament to the talent within the Columbus Crew, they also highlight the challenges of maintaining success in a competitive league. The team's ability to navigate this period will be crucial in determining their long-term prospects for the season. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team adapts and whether they can continue their current form in league play.