TORONTO – The long layoff between rounds of the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs have been a drag for fans and players alike, but the Reds are using the time off to their advantage.

Chris Mavinga returned to training in a modified capacity on Monday morning as the defender continues to deal with adductor tendinitis.

“We’ve managed him over the course of this long time off, so now we’re working him back into training,” head coach Greg Vanney revealed to reporters. “It’s not a specific strain, just some inflammation in that area that we’re trying to calm down a bit.”

While not operating at 100-percent, Vanney stated that Mavinga’s exclusion from the first leg in Columbus is “not likely.”

“We’ll wait and see how he reintegrates with the team back in training,” he continued. “We’ll make sure he’s fine, but the mindset of everyone here—including himself—is that he’ll be ready to play.”