BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Chicago Fire captain Logan Pause is ready when called upon.
After missing the Fire's last three league games with a back injury, Pause played 58 minutes in Chicago's reserve game on Wednesday against Columbus and on Thursday he indicated that he's back to full fitness and hopes to play in Saturday's game against D.C. United (8:30 pm ET, watch on MLS Live).
“I felt good, I'm just blessed and happy to be finally out there playing a game with the guys,” Pause said. “Physically, I feel really good … Now, it's just seeing how the coaching staff wants to use me.”
The 11-year veteran hasn't played any fewer than 26 games in any of the last five years, but he's already sat out 10 games this season, both because of injuries and the acquisition of central midfielder Jeff Larentowicz.
Before Pause was injured in a June 22 win over Columbus, he and Larentowicz had rotated for a short time, but now it's unclear whether that rotation will continue.
Klopas said he'd have to see how Pause feels on Friday to determine whether he'll play, but the holding midfielder made it clear that if he doesn't see time, it won't be because of his back or his fitness.
“I have nothing holding me back at this point both physically from a fitness standpoint and health-wise,” Pause said. “I've had just over a week touching a ball, I feel sharp and ready to go for Saturday if called upon."
