After a successful month-plus MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, the unique 2020 MLS season continues once more as clubs (mostly) return to their home stadiums.
The teams have prepared to go again, but there are a number of key players facing injury concerns. Leaving off long-term injuries like Carles Gil, Josef Martinez and Paul Arriola, here's a rundown of major injury updates for the latest restart.
Chicharito and Jonathan dos Santos
Two of the LA Galaxy's Designated Players were befallen by injuries last month. Dos Santos missed the entirety of the Galaxy's disappointing showing in Orlando due to hernia surgery, while Chicharito played just once after suffering a calf injury.
As of Wednesday morning, both players are "questionable" for the Galaxy's match against LAFC on Saturday (8 pm ET | FOX, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada). Their statuses will become more clear as the week progresses.
Dos Santos has played just 45 minutes in 2020, with his midfield presence dearly missed. Meanwhile, Chicharito is expected to carry LA's scoring load.
Jurgen Locadia
FC Cincinnati marksman Jurgen Locadia has been in full training all week and, barring a setback, will be available for selection on Friday against D.C. United (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, on DAZN in Canada).
Locadia missed a few weeks at the MLS is Back Tournament with a thigh injury, but scored off the bench in the club's penalty-kick loss to the Portland Timbers in the Round of 16. He's been seeking a return to 100% fitness after the team arrived back in Ohio.
The 26-year-old has started just once early into his MLS career, though weighty expectations surround the on-loan Brighton & Hove Albion striker.
Joao Paulo and Yeimar Gomez Andrade
Two of their key starters, the Seattle Sounders should have both Joao Paulo and Yeimar Gomez Andrade available for selection in their match Sunday against Portland (10 pm ET | FS1, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada).
Head coach Brian Schmetzer told KJR, via Sounder at Heart, that the Brazilian and Colombian are both in full training. He personally guaranteed that his side would field a full-strength squad for the first time all season.
Limited to just two starts during his Sounders career so far, DP midfielder Paulo missed the entire MLS is Back Tournament. Andrade picked up a hamstring injury at the tournament.
Yimmi Chara
Yimmi Chara, a DP winger for Portland, missed the semifinal and final of his team's MLS is Back Tournament victory due to a thigh injury. There's been no updates on his status for Sunday's match against Seattle (10 pm ET | FS1, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada).
Chara, 29, is still searching for his first goal or assist with his new club after making a big-money move last winter. He had seven goals and eight assists in 56 matches with Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro prior to joining the Timbers.
In his place, the Timbers turned to Costa Rican midfielder Marvin Loria during the semis and final.
