Fire's Ward says he's close to 100 percent

After suffering a calf straing over a month ago, Ward says he's close to full fitness.

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- After suffering a calf strain over a month ago, Chicago Fire’s Tim Ward says that he’s finally getting close to full fitness.


“It feels pretty good,” Ward said of his calf. “I still feel a little bit of scar tissue, so I’ve just got to get past that and I should be close to 100 percent.”


Ward, the Fire’s regular right back, hasn’t played in a match since the Chicago’s 4-1 defeat to Toronto FC on May 8 due to a left calf strain. He made his return to full training on Tuesday and took part in every drill of what was a very spirited practice.


In his absence, fellow defender Dasan Robinson has filled in at right back.


Despite Ward’s return to training, he said that he won’t be ready to go in time for Sunday night’s match at New England in the Fire’s first game since they went on their World Cup break two-and-a-half weeks ago.


“[Tuesday] was the first day, so I’m definitely not 100 percent yet,” Ward said. “Hopefully [I can] get a good week of training and be ready for maybe the [next Tuesday’s] Open Cup game and next week against Columbus.”


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