Raul Ruidiaz could return for Seattle Sounders against Vancouver Whitecaps after coronavirus absence

After almost a month away without playing for the team, Raul Ruidiaz is eligible to play for the Seattle Sounders against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Tuesday (10 pm ET | TV & streaming info) after contracting COVID-19 on international duty with Peru.

Rumors about a return for the forward emerged Friday after Ruidiaz shared flyover video of CenturyLink Field on Instagram. 

"As long as matters remain on track and health and safety protocols are met, all three returning international players [Ruidiaz, Xavier Arreaga, Gustav Svensson] could be eligible for selection in the club’s next match on Tuesday night against Vancouver," the club confirmed on Tuesday.

It has been a long three weeks for Ruidiaz, who last played for the Sounders on October 4, when he scored in a 3-1 win over the Whitecaps. He subsequently went to South America for the start of World Cup qualifying with Peru, playing in his team's 2-2 draw with Paraguay on October 8. Three days, later, Ruidiaz tested positive for COVID-19, forcing him into quarantine first in Peru and then in Seattle.

The return will be a boost for the Sounders as they look to lock up top spot in the East, and now could be able to do so with their top goalscorer this season.