FRISCO - Both FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids are nearing the return of some key players after early-season injuries. Who might we see return as the sides meet on Saturday night at Toyota Stadium?
Colorado Rapids
OUT: Kortne Ford (MCL sprain)
The Rapids have just one player on the official injury report this week as Homegrown defender Kortne Ford remains out with an MCL sprain suffered in the final week of preseason. Shkelzen Gashi has missed the start to the year with a preseason injury of his own, but head coach Anthony Hudson has targeted this weekend's match in Dallas for his possible 2018 debut. The Swiss DP has played in 43 matches for Colorado over the last two years.
FC Dallas
OUT: Kellyn Acosta (sports hernia), Jesus Ferreira (sports hernia), Paxton Pomykal (right knee surgery), Brandon Servania (compartment syndrome)
QUESTIONABLE: Jesse Gonzalez (knee)
It's a Homegrown-heavy injury report this week for FCD. Jesse Gonzalez is once again listed as questionable recovering from a knee injury, but after training fully for the last 10 days it appears the goalkeeper could make his first matchday roster of the MLS season on Saturday.
Despite progress in the last 10 days since returning to training, Kellyn Acosta will be out at least another match recovering from sports hernia surgery in late February. Next week's road contest in New England does seem likely for his 2018 debut. Paxton Pomykal underwent successful surgery earlier in the week on his right knee and is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks. Jesus Ferreira remains out with a similar 6-8 week timeline as Acosta's initial diagnosis, while Brandon Servania could return to the training field in the next week or two in his recovery from a procedure to correct compartment syndrome.
