Koevermans Targets Columbus Comeback

Danny Koevermans (Paul Giamou/TorontoFC.ca)

TORONTO — Forward Danny Koevermans says he is making progress towards a return to the Toronto FC lineup, and could be back on the pitch as soon as Saturday when TFC visit Columbus (7:30 p.m. ET on GOL TV Canada).


The Dutchman, who is still recovering from a left hamstring injury, said he will reassess his health after Friday’s training session to see if he’s able to go at Crew Stadium.


Koevermans has not played since Toronto's 2-1 victory over Tauro FC in Panama City on Aug. 18 in a Group C match in CONCACAF Champions League play.


“We’ll just wait and see, but today’s training was fine,” Koevermans said Wednesday.


He has decided to take a cautious approach to his return to avoid the possibility of a more serious injury that could end his season.


“That’s true, still,” he said. “I had a session today and it went fine and I’ll get better tomorrow and so much better Friday, and hopefully I’ll be there Saturday.”


The game against the Crew will be Toronto’s first since a 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes on Aug. 27 at BMO Field. While many of his teammates were given some time off to recuperate from a long stretch of games and travel, Koevermans worked on his own. He joined the group for last Friday’s training session.


“I had a good practice week last week,” he said. “I trained Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. It was nice. I’ll just continue and get more power, more strength and get more fit.”


Koevermans has scored three goals in five league games since making his debut on July 20 after signing as a Designated Player on June 29.