Reigning MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco returns; Didier Drogba out for Montreal

Didier Drogba - Montreal Impact - looks dejected in loss to New England Revolution

He’s back.


For the first time since injuring his quad on Aug. 27, Sebastian Giovinco will start for Toronto FC in their huge match at the Montreal Impact on Sunday (3 pm ET; ESPN in the US, TSN2 and RDS in Canada).


The Italian star, who has 16 goals and 13 assists on the season, missed Toronto’s last five matches due to injury. Third-place TFC were 1-1-3 in that stretch.

The news isn’t as rosy for Montreal, who won’t have star striker Didier Drogba available for selection at Stade Saputo due to what the club called a “stiff back.”

According to ESPN’s Taylor Twellman, Drogba – who was linked earlier this week to Italian Serie A club Napoli – isn’t on the gameday roster due to a conflict with the organization.

The 38-year-old Ivorian has 10 goals and six assists in 22 appearances this year. Matteo Mancosu will start in his place against TFC.