Two of FC Dallasā biggest names are nearing returns to full health, as manager Oscar Pareja told MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday that midfielder Kellyn Acosta and goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez have both returned to training.
Acosta underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia on Feb. 22 and has yet to play this year. Gonzalez started both legs of Dallas' Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 loss to Tauro in February, but hasnāt yet made an appearance in MLS action. He missed the first three games of the season due to an ankle injury, made the 18 for Dallasā 1-1 draw against Colorado on April 7, then missed the clubās last two matches due to a sprained finger.
Pareja said both participated in an intra-squad scrimmage on Tuesday morning for players that werenāt active or didnāt log heavy minutes in Dallasā 2-0 win against Philadelphia on Saturday, with Acosta going āalmost 70 minutesā in the exercise.
According to Pareja, itās possible that Acosta will be in the 18 when Dallas play at New York City FC on Sunday (6:30 pm ET | Full TV & streaming Info). While Acosta may be available this weekend, Pareja doesnāt feel any need to rush the 22-year-old US international back into the XI thanks to the solid form of central midfielders Jacori Hayes and Victor Ulloa.
āHeās doing great, heās doing great, he was part of the exercise today and I can see heās progressing,ā Pareja said of Acosta. āHis injury took more time obviously, but the response from Kellyn has been great. I can see already that heās getting into his own rhythm ā itās good, heās coming along.ā
It may take Gonzalez more time to get back on the field. Jimmy Maurer has been excellent in his stead, anchoring Dallasā league-best defense by conceding just three goals in six MLS starts. Pareja praised Maurer on Tuesday and noted Gonzalez will have to compete to regain his starting role.
āJesseās doing it, heās trying to catch up with his rhythm, with his fitness and with everything,ā Pareja said. āWe will see during the week. Overall what he needs to do, itās like any other player, just keep working and keep trying to find his best performances during training.ā