Didier Drogba will train with the Montreal Impact in Texas this week.
The star striker, who has not yet played in an MLS match this year and spent the last week training in Sacramento with USL club Sacramento Republic FC to avoid the risk of exacerbating a nagging knee issue on artificial turf, will join up with the Impact in Frisco, Texas on Thursday. He could be available for selection in Saturday’s match at FC Dallas (9 pm ET, MLS LIVE).
Montreal head coach Mauro Biello confirmed after Tuesday’s training session that Drogba will train twice with the Impact in Dallas.
“Training sessions are going well,” Biello said, in comments published on ImpactMontreal.com. “Every day, we get videos that show what he’s done. I spoke to him today, and he’s doing fine and is excited to join the team. He’s looking forward to being back with us … We’re waiting for him to be 100 percent ready to rejoin the team, and then he’ll be available.”
Drogba, 38, signed with Montreal last summer, scoring 11 goals in 11 regular season games and one more in three playoff matches. In his absence this season, the Impact have notched impressive wins at Vancouver and over the New York Red Bulls at Stade Olympique to start the year 2-0-0.
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When considering whether to utilize the powerful Ivorian this weekend, be aware that the Impact have made it clear that Drogba's knee will not be risked on turf – ruling him out for the season's first two games, as well as Montreal's visit to Seattle on April 2 and the remaining home game at Olympic Stadium on April 9 (vs. Columbus). After three indoor home games at The Big O, the Impact move outdoors to Stade Saputo starting on April 23 (vs. Toronto), a byproduct of Quebec's frosty weather conditions.
