The Argentine midfielder took part in full training sessions this week
This last month of play will be crucial for the Montreal Impact. In the middle of the playoff race, the Impact has just four games remaining to qualify to the fall tournament, currently occupying the eighth spot with just two points separating them from a berth in the postseason.
As if that wasn’t intense enough, Wilmer Cabrera’s men will also play the Canadian Championship final over the next two Wednesdays against Toronto FC, the winner earning a qualification to the 2020 Concacaf Champions League.
The good news is, it looks like they’ll have Designated Player Nacho Piatti back, the Argentine potentially making a return as soon as this Saturday, against FC Cincinnati (TICKETS – TVA Sports, 98.5sports.ca).
“He’s been training with the team and doing very well,” said Impact head coach Wilmer Cabrera. “Most importantly, he’s in very good spirits to potentially play a game. Hopefully things stay the same, because, as you know, we live day by day.”
Piatti participated in full training sessions this week with the team, after being sidelined with an injury since the game in Chicago on August 10, during which he came on as a substitute. Because of injury, the Impact talisman has played just eight MLS games this year.
Reinforcements in the centre-back position
It looks like the team will get some reinforcements in a position in dire need of it: centre-backs Rod Fanni and Victor Cabrera also took in full training sessions this week and may be a viable option for head coach Wilmer Cabrera when he chooses his 18 for this Saturday’s game.
“Rod is trying to get ready as quickly as possible,” added Cabrera. “He’s not 15 years old anymore, so we need to make sure we take the time to ensure his body is ready. He’s a very good professional, and an excellent player with a good mentality. He’ll be ready sooner than we think. There’s a good competition between centre-backs at the moment. I like it.”
Victor Cabrera, on his end, has been sidelined with an elbow injury, his last game dating to over two months ago with the Impact, although it looks like the Argentine defender may be an option come Saturday.
Reinforcements are arriving at a perfect time for the Impact: five games in 16 days are on the schedule, the next one being the first leg of the Canadian Championship final, this Wednesday, September 18, at 7:30pm at Stade Saputo, against Toronto FC (TICKETS – 985sports.ca).
