Benjamín Kuscevic
TOR
Center Back
Controlled Center Back
May 2, 1996 (30)
Right
6'1"
168 lb
Set for return after disciplinary absence
Kuscevic is back in contention for Toronto after completing his one-match suspension for yellow card accumulation, which kept him out of Saturday's MLS encounter against the New York Red Bulls.
Analysis: Kuscevic was forced to sit out Saturday's trip to New York after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season during the 3-3 draw against Orlando City. The Chilean center-back has established himself as a regular starter when available, making his return an important boost to Toronto's defensive options. Zane Monlouis had been the leading candidate to cover his absence, but Kuscevic is now eligible to reclaim his place in the starting lineup for Toronto's next fixture.
Back to full training
Kuscevic (groin) appears to have taken part in full training, according to John Molinaro of TFC Republic.
Analysis: Kuscevic's return to full training is a boost for a backline that has been shuffled in his absence. The central defender offers experience and stability at the back once he is available for selection. A formal return to matchday contention is expected to follow further evaluation in the coming days.
Groin absence carries over
Kuscevic is out for the time being due to a groin injury, per the MLS Player Status Report.
Analysis: Kuscevic has been absent for consecutive matchdays with this groin issue, and Toronto's backline continues to be shuffled. He's a central defender without major scoring upside. However, it does mark the loss of another regular starter.
Subbed off injured
Kuscevic was forced off in the first half of Saturday's clash against Atlanta United due to an apparent injury.
Analysis: Kuscevic was forced off in the 20th minute of Saturday's clash against Atlanta United due to an apparent injury and will undergo further tests in the coming days to determine the severity of the issue, though his potential absence should not be too damaging with Walker Zimmerman expected to return for the next match.
Starting during return
Kuscevic (groin) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Atlanta.
Analysis: Kuscevic overcame the injury that had brought an end to his run of five consecutive MLS starts, with the coaching staff clearing the Chilean to retake his place in the backline after his return timeline had been left uncertain in the days prior. The defender had been in decent form despite his side's defensive struggles, tallying at least three clearances in each of his appearances this season. His ability to recover in time is a welcome development for a side that had been managing without one of their key defensive starters.
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