Saborio called up for matches against Paraguay, Panama; will miss Toronto match

In the first confirmation of what we know will be an absence-marred match against Toronto FC on March 29, Alvaro Saborio has been called up to the Costa Rica squad to face Paraguay (March 26) and Panama (March 31).

The fact that Saborio has made the squad isn't particularly surprising; when not injured, he's almost a certain call-up. But it does put Real Salt Lake in a tricky position without him, and they'll almost certainly be leaning on Devon Sandoval to play backup.

Saborio, 32, is inching up toward his 100th appearance for Costa Rica, having 96 at current, making him RSL's most-capped player by a country mile.

Having last played for Costa Rica in November, we can hope that this sort of absence helps Saborio round into form, which would only benefit Real Salt Lake as the season progresses — even if it does hurt to miss him for that Toronto FC match.