歪歪漫画

Minnesota United avoided an injury setback with one of its best attackers and has had a handful of players progress from a variety of ailments, but a key defender has been out this week.

Franco Fragapane exited Saturday鈥檚 1-1 draw with Nashville because of a hamstring injury, but the Argentine winger was back in training Tuesday and Wednesday in Blaine.

Midfielder Kervin Arriaga (chest) also was back at practice after missing last week due to a procedure, while fullback Chase Gasper (concussion) and Abu Danladi (thigh) also have returned to training this week. Romain Metanire (thigh) was seen rehabbing on the side Wednesday after being out of sight last week. Those latter three have yet to play in 2022.

However, defender Bakaye Dibassy (ankle) missed training sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Frenchman was named to the MLS Team of the Week on Monday after he played both fullback and center back versus Nashville. Also on Wednesday, defender Oniel Fisher, who has filled in at both fullback spots for Gasper and Metanire, exited practice with an injury.

Matt Blewett / USA Today Sports

Big picture: The balance appears to have shifted from the Loons seeing players drop out at the end of preseason and the first two weeks to more players getting back on the field.

鈥淭here was a real 鈥� intensity in the training because we are at that stage again when nearly everybody is fit again, and the competition for places is going to be fierce,鈥� manager Adrian Heath said Wednesday.

Minnesota (0-0-2) will play the Eastern Conference-leading New York Red Bulls (2-0-0) at 6 p.m. Sunday in Harrison, N.J. 鈥�(I鈥檝e) got some big decisions to make at the weekend,鈥� Heath said.

The Loons鈥� back line remains the most in flux, with Dibassy and Fisher going onto the injury list, Gasper coming off it and Metanire still unlikely to play this weekend.

Midfielder Hassani Dotson has led the team in pressures through the first two games, according to fbref.com. The stats site terms a 鈥減ressure鈥� as the number of times a player closely defends an opponent who is receiving, carrying or releasing the ball.

Dotson had 23 pressures in the 1-1 draw with Philadelphia in the season opener on Feb. 26, which was two more than fellow midfield partner Arriaga (21). Against Nashville, Dotson had 37 pressures, with No. 2 being renewed midfield partner Wil Trapp (28).

鈥淭hat is one of Hassani鈥檚 strengths; it鈥檚 always been one of his strengths,鈥� Heath said. 鈥淗e is really quick in those first couple of meters to get to the ball. 鈥� It doesn鈥檛 surprise me, his numbers, because that is part and parcel of his game, making the person he is playing against be uncomfortable.鈥�

One date for MNUFC supporters to keep in mind is May 4, the day the MLS primary transfer window closes. Given the revolving door, defenders might become an increasing need for the club before then. 鈥� The Loons will have Thursday off from training due to work put in Monday-Wednesday and an extra day ahead of Sunday鈥檚 game. They will work Friday and Saturday before flying to the East Coast. 鈥� New York midfielder Caden Clark of Medina subbed in on both games for Red Bulls this season, with an assist in the 3-1 win over San Jose in the season opener Feb. 26. 鈥� Former Loons Jan Gregus and Francisco Calvo paired up for two goals in San Jose鈥檚 3-3 draw with Columbus on Saturday. Gregus鈥� assists came on a free kick and corner kick, and Calvo headed in the service for goals in the comeback against the Crew. 鈥� Those two ex-MNUFC players will come to St. Paul to face the Loons on March 19. 鈥� After the Earthquakes game, MNUFC will be off amid the international window and will resume against Seattle at Allianz Field on April 2.