Injury Report

Chicago Fire manager Frank Klopas has lineup dilemma ahead with Chris Rolfe's return from injury

Frank Klopas long face

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Chicago Fire forward Chris Rolfe returned to training on Tuesday after missing Saturday's 2-0 loss to New England due to injury, making for some interesting lineup decisions if he does suit up on Friday against Sporting Kansas City (8:30 pm ET, NBC Sports Network).

“I feel good, we did a lot of treatment this weekend and I let it [left hamstring] rest yesterday, so I felt pretty good today in training,” Rolfe said after training on Tuesday. “It's hard to say, of course, [whether I'll be ready this weekend], but I felt good today.”

Recently-acquired Designated Player Juan Luis Anangono started the Fire's last two league games at forward with Mike Magee and Rolfe sitting a game apiece, but Klopas doesn't figure to sit the Fire's 2012 MVP if he's healthy.

“He's ready to go,” Klopas said of Rolfe. “He had a little hamstring injury that was bothering him, we kept him off for the match on the turf field so he would be ready for this match, and he was ready to go today. That's good.”

Rolfe could possibly slide back into the midfield if Patrick Nyarko remains out with concussion-like symptoms. Nyarko began running late last week and did some technical work on Tuesday, but he left practice early.

The timetable for the Ghanaian's return remains murky, but Klopas was hopeful on Tuesday that he'll be available on Friday.

“He did the first part and warmup with the team and some technical work, and we just have to see his reactions after that,” Klopas said. “Hopefully no setbacks, I think he's in tomorrow.”


Anthony Zilis covers the Chicago Fire for MLSsoccer.com.