VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s long list of injured players could be getting a little shorter in the coming weeks. Knock on wood.
The ‘Caps were without a whopping 10 players last weekend in Montreal, including centre back Christian Dean who suffered a foot injury last week in training. In fact, everyone who was healthy made the 18-man gameday roster. But on the bright side, Carl Robinson revealed on Tuesday that Brek Shea (left knee sprain) is “not very far” away after returning to full training.
“He’s fit and he’s raring to get back in,” Robinson told reporters. “We’ll see how he progresses [Wednesday] and Thursday.”
Robinson also confirmed that Peruvian attacking midfielder Yordy Reyna (fifth metatarsal fracture) is no longer wearing a boot and has started some light on-field work.
“We’ll build that up this week and next week, then we’ll try to get him into some running and technical/tactical play in the third week,” Robinson said.
Then, if all goes to plan, Reyna is expected to start training fully next month.
“He just brings a little more quality,” Robinson added when asked about Reyna’s qualities. “He’s a final third player. He’s attacking. He likes to get at people individually whether it’s on the dribble or give and go's, and he likes to score goals at well.”
As Robinson said, it’ll be a “nice headache” once everyone returns.
In the meantime, Whitecaps FC continue their season-long four-match road trip on Friday night vs. Colorado Rapids (7 p.m. PT on TSN1/4 and TSN 1040 radio).
