Bocanegra suffers hamstring tear, expected to miss six weeks

Posted Saturday, November 17, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

USA captain Carlos Bocanegra has suffered a Grade II hamstring tear and is slated to miss the next six weeks, according to his Spanish club Racing Santander.

Bocanegra suffered the injury to his left hamstring on international duty this week in Russia, when he was forced to exit the United States' 2-2 draw with the Russians in Krasnodar in the 18th minute. Clarence Goodson replaced him in the game, and Bocanegra handed the captain's armband to goalkeeper Howard, who did his part with a series of standout saves to keep the United States in the game long enough to fight for the tie.

With Racing Santander's injury timeline, Bocanegra should be expected back some time around the turn of the new year, and he should not have to miss any time with the U.S. national team. The final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying is slated to begin on Feb. 6, when the USA plays at Honduras, meaning that Bocanegra should have about a full month to regain match fitness after his hamstring tear heals.

Since joining Racing Santander on loan from embattled Scottish side Rangers, Bocanegra has been a fixture in the Segunda Division side's lineup, starting all seven games in which he has played.