Portland timbers are rested, but without their top scorer because they are ready to play struggling in Toronto FC.
Timbers (8–4–6, 30 digits) will recall Antony (six goals) for six to eight weeks after a hamstring injury on 13 June.
Portland coach Phil Neville said on Tuesday, “Disappointing because Antony was incredible.” “What we are now doing, 10 days in Antony’s injury? So hopefully there are six to eight weeks now five weeks, but it is going to be close to six to eight weeks as his game is made at speed and is that kind of acceleration at the top speed. And with hamstring injuries, with those types of players, you’ve got to take it safely.”
Omar Fernandez, who is acquired from Colorado Rapids in April, is expected to get more minutes with Antony.
Toronto (3–10–5, 14 points) has its problems with Star Forward Federico Bernardchi (Masal Strain) on Wednesday with a third direct match, 1–1 tie with New York Red Bulls, which went 0–3–1 with its win.
Coach Robin Fraser said on Wednesday that he did not have a timetable for the return of Bernardchi.
“He continues to have some dull effects before the brake,” Fraser said.
Toronto is also recalling Richie Laria and Jonathan Osorio, who are playing for Canada in the ConcacAF Gold Cup.
Defender Zen Monlois left the match in the first half with a toe injury on Wednesday and Fraser is uncertain about his availability for Saturday. A positive forward D&Re Kerr was withdrawn, out of March 29 with an ankle injury.
Nonor has made it difficult for Toronto to achieve traction from just 2-6–1 in the last nine matches.
“What I believe is a character of this group and they need to believe in themselves,” Fraser said. “And in fact, you can put yourself in sports, you can win the game through the mindset. You can do it yourself. And I believe it is a group that is capable of it.”
-Bield level media
