FRISCO, Texas — It has been more than three weeks since George John last played for FC Dallas, but he could return for this weekend’s visit from Chicago.
The second-year center back was on his way to a solid sophomore campaign when he pulled his left hamstring just after halftime in a Sept. 4 game against Toronto FC.
“I think he’ll be a questionable player, but there’s a [good] possibility we’ll get him out this weekend,” Hyndman said on Monday.
During John’s absence, Brazilian newcomer Jackson Gonçalves started three games in his place in central defense and was generally solid. Second-year defender Kyle Davies started there in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Kansas City, also performing well.
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Davies got the start at centeral defense because Hyndman slotted Jackson at holding midfield, one of four positions the versatile Brazilian has played since joining FCD in August.
John isn’t the only Dallas defender currently on the shelf. Veteran and fellow center back Ugo Ihemelu has missed the last eight games after suffering a concussion in the first half of a 3-1 win over Philadelphia on August 8.
Hyndman clearly wants both of them back as FCD look poised to clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2007.
“We’re very patient and very sensitive to [Ihemelu's] injury,” Hyndman said on Monday. “Ugo would be out there tomorrow if I said, ‘Ugo, we need you,’ and I don’t want to do that. I want him to come out when he’s ready.”
Rookie Zach Loyd has started each of the last eight games in place of Ihemelu.
