MONTREAL – The Impact's catalyst will return.
Despite an injury scare for Didier Drogba on Sunday, Montreal interim head coach Mauro Biello is counting on the forward to be available for this Thursday’s Knockout Round clash with archrivals Toronto FC in the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs (7 pm ET, UniMas).
The Stade Saputo crowd held its breath in the 81st minute of Montreal's 2-1 win over TFC on Sunday, when Ahmed Kantari’s cleats caught Drogba behind his left knee. Drogba limped back on after treatment and embarked on a powerful run down the left minutes later. He then assured reporters gathered in the locker room that he was fine.
Every player that started Sunday’s game, Drogba among them, remained in the indoors section of the Impact training center on Monday for the usual morning-after regeneration session. On Tuesday morning, Drogba trained lightly on the sidelines with fellow Designated Player Ignacio Piatti.
“We’re 48 hours removed from our game, and they have to recover well,” Biello told reporters after the session. “I don’t want to increase the load on their legs if it’s not necessary. They did a light warm up. They’ll do some work indoors, and they’ll be ready for tomorrow.”
- Get more Montreal news at ImpactMontreal.com
Drogba and Piatti contributed a combined 20 goals and nine assists for Montreal this regular season. Barring any setbacks, both will take part in their first career MLS postseason game this Thursday.
