Impact boss provides updates before matchup against NYCFC
The Impact is preparing for a busy week, during which it’ll play three MLS games in the span of eight days, starting with a trip to the Big Apple this Saturday at 1pm to take on New York City FC at Yankee Stadium (TVA Sports, 98.5, TSN 690).
Rémi Garde’s men will then play D.C. United at Audi Field on Tuesday night at 8pm (TVA Sports), before finally playing their home opener on Saturday, April 13, at 1pm against Columbus Crew SC (TVA Sports, 98.5, TSN 690). Excellent tickets are still available here.
Head coach Rémi Garde met with the media on Thursday morning at Centre Nutrilait before training, providing an update on player availabilities for the busy week ahead. First things first, Harry Novillo will be available for Saturday’s matchup with NYCFC.
“The situation was handled,” said Garde. “Harry will be available for the game and he’ll travel with the team. He’s one of my options on the left wing.”
The boss also confirmed that Nacho Piatti will miss Saturday’s game, his second straight, due to the injury he suffered against Orlando, though he hasn’t ruled him out of Tuesday’s matchup as of yet.
The Bleu-blanc-noir will get some reinforcements in defense, as centre-back Zakaria Diallo is set to return after serving a one-game suspension for the red card he received in second-half stoppage time against Orlando.
Other injury news
Garde also spoke of Mathieu Choinière, who’s been training with a separate group after suffering a small injury the previous week, but who should be fully available for Saturday’s contest.
“He felt a little muscular pain,” explained Garde. “We dealt with it and he’s almost completely healed. When it’s a muscular issue, we have to be careful, and even more so with a young player. They don’t necessarily know how to determine the gravity of what they’re feeling.”
Finally, midfielder Ken Krolicki is doing well after undergoing elbow surgery almost six weeks ago, following an injury suffered in the club’s last preseason game. Although he hasn’t been cleared for physical contact just yet, Garde is confident he’ll train with the team within 10 days.
“His recovery is going very well at the moment,” finished Garde. “Anyway, Ken is very strong mentally. He’s already doing any exercise that requires no contact with his teammates. He’ll visit his doctor soon to get the green light and rejoin the group.”
