FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England forward Kheli Dube knows exactly how he wants to celebrate his return from a right MCL sprain.
“I just need one goal right now,” Dube told MLSsoccer.com on Friday.
Dube returned to full training with the Revolution squad this week after missing the past five games. After spending the past couple of weeks in London after the birth of his son on Aug. 2, Dube earned a clean bill of health from the New England medical staff earlier this week
Even though he has recovered from the knee injury, Dube said he still needs to work his way back to match fitness after spending a month on the sidelines.
“I'm trying to get back [to full fitness],” Dube said. “[It] takes a toll on you. I'm just getting back in with the boys and it feels good. I know I'm not 90 minutes, game-fit, but I feel good.”
Ilija Stolica's arrival should also bolster Dube's confidence as he seeks to reclaim a spot in the starting XI. Stolica fills the Revolution's gaping need for a target man to facilitate the play up front and his presence should allow Dube to shift back to his more natural role as a second striker.
“It takes a wee bit of pressure on him in terms of holding it up,” Revolution coach Steve Nicol said. “He's not 6-foot-3 and 15 stone.”
Dube may have to wait to establish a partnership with Stolica as Marko Perovic is expected to join his Serbian compatriot up top for Saturday night's match against Philadelphia. Instead of featuring from the outside, Dube will hope to play his part as a substitute as he continues to search for his first goal of the campaign.
Although he has made 13 appearances this season without finding the back of the net, Dube believes it will take just one tally to rediscover the scoring touch that saw him notch 10 goals in all competitions last campaign.
“I just have to work extra hard in training and try and get goals,” Dube said. “That's the only thing I'm thinking about right now: getting goals. As soon as I get goals, I'll be fine.”
