TORONTO – Toronto FC coach Preki faces the daunting dual tasks of trying to prepare the club for a CONCACAF Champions League run and a MLS playoff push. Unfortunately he’ll have to do it without the services of a few more players.
Injuries have hit TFC of late, depleting an already limited roster and testing its depth. Combined with disciplinary suspensions, the injury bug has created a roster-management headache for the coach at a critical time with a playoff spot uncertain and one of Mexico’s top clubs, Cruz Azul, lurking on the horizon.
“I think we have a good group of men in the locker room, committed men,” Preki told GOLTV Canada following his team’s 1-0 loss at New York Wednesday. "We know it’s a tough schedule and we also understand we have to stick together when it’s hard and we have to find a way."
Striker Chad Barrett suffered a strained hamstring in the first half of the game to join strike partner Maicon Santos (knee) in an infirmary already crowded with ailing bodies. Midfielders Martin Saric, Amadou Sanyang (concussion) and defender Ty Harden have already missed significant time with various injuries.
Sanyang is still out despite not feeling headaches, while Saric and Harden have been upgraded to questionable and could suit up next week against Cruz Azul. Barrett and Santos are listed as doubtful for the first group-stage match, but may be available with some rest.
Barrett’s loss was particularly costly as he was coming into form of late with four goals in his last six games. His absence didn’t help Toronto’s offense, which struggled in a 1-0 loss to the Red Bulls in a key conference match-up.
While the others are technically healthy, some are playing with various knocks and ailments that could turn into injuries with Toronto’s upcoming schedule.
The Reds will play four games in just 11 days between Aug. 17 and Aug. 28, including two Champions League matches and two MLS matches.
“It’s very important for guys to, off the field, take care of their bodies” said captain Dwayne De Rosario. “I see a lot of fatigue kicking into a lot of players towards the last five to 10 minutes and it’s very important to maintain ourselves as professionals off the field as well as on the field and just get ready for games because they’re coming fast and furious.”
The fact that the next game isn’t until Tuesday buys some time for the ailing players. If they’re unavailable, Preki may call on the club’s academy for reinforcements. Some academy players saw action in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship and a recent friendly against England’s Bolton Wanderers and could step in as fill-ins.
The injuries and suspensions come with Toronto struggling to create and finish on offense, scoring just seven goals in their last 11 games overall.
