Aaron Lanes' first season in the MLS has certainly not been the most rewarding. Sidelined since week four with a strain in his right fifth metatarsal bone, Lanes has had to endure a long and tedious recovery, so much so that he has not seen any action, either in Reserve Division games or regular season contests.
Next week, however, things will begin to look up for Lanes. He will finally receive his opportunity to start showing his talents, as he completes his last days of rehab before returning to the field.
"I feel good. I feel really good that I will be finally able to put this behind me," Lanes said. "Right now I'm wearing a carbon plate in my shoe, but at this point it is not really affecting me too much."
As any player will tell you, the most difficult thing is not necessarily the fact that you're injured for the majority of the season, but the fact that you're not able to contribute to your team's success.
"Watching the World Cup and watching these guys play has been a frustrating experience. With the injury, however, you have to be smart and patient, and know that sooner or later your turn will come."
According to team trainer Bruce Morgan, it appears that Lanes will get his chance to return to the field sooner rather than later.
"His injury is completely healed," Morgan said. "Throughout the last few days, we have been focusing on his fitness, and the way he's going he should be ready to play as soon as Monday," he added.
With the absence of important players like Adrian Serioux and Brian Ching, the fact that he will have one more player available on the field is great news for head coach Dominic Kinnear.
"It's tough for a player to be out for a significant period of time," said Kinnear. "I know Adrian [Serioux] is going through the same thing, so any time you get your full squad healthy it only adds to your practice and your game preparation."
Although he won't get to see any action in the Dynamo's reserve game this weekend, Lanes remains optimistic. Playing time for him should only be a matter of time.
"We'll see how it goes with training. If I take care of myself, work hard, and do my very best, I should be able to take the field for the first time this season within the next few weeks."
