TORONTO – Toronto FC defender Nana Attakora says there is a good chance that he’ll be healthy enough to return to the starting lineup Saturday against Chivas USA.
Attakora watched TFC’s home opener from the press box after straining his calf in practice late last week. He was back on the training pitch Monday with the Reds reserves as the majority of the first team enjoyed a day off.
Attakora told MLSsoccer.com that missing out on the excitement of the home opener was hard to take.
“It’s tough,” he said. “You look forward to two games all offseason – this and the Vancouver game – and to miss one is disappointing.”
The club did not indicate a timeline for his return. However, all signs suggest the Reds think he’ll be ready this weekend. Head coach Aron Winter released Doneil Henry to the Canadian Under-20 set-up on Sunday after initially holding him back for cover if Attakora wasn't fit.
Still, Attakora is being conservative.
“It’s a bit better,” he said, “but it’s tough [training] on the turf – especially since that’s how I hurt it.”
The plan is to continue training this week and evaluate things towards the end of the week.
“I just have to keep coming out and showing that I’m ready by training hard,” Attakora said.
