TORONTO – Two of Toronto FC’s big guns got together on the training pitch for the first time as new captain and US international Michael Bradley and Italian international Sebastian Giovinco went through the paces Wednesday.
Fellow American Jozy Altidore also joined his new club, following the conclusion of the USMNT’s January camp, but was held out of training for baseline tests.
It made for a nearly full slate of players for TFC, also including newcomers Benoit Cheyrou and Damien Perquis, as they prepare to shift preseason camp to Florida next week. But there were two glaring absences in the Brazilian duo of Gilberto and Jackson, who have yet to link up with the team since the end of last season.
Jackson is currently in Brazil celebrating the birth of his child but will be joining Toronto FC next week in Bradenton, Florida. But the status of striker Gilberto remains a mystery.
“I’m not 100 percent clear on his situation,” TFC head coach Greg Vanney told reporters at training Wednesday. “I know there’s been several clubs, including clubs in the league, who have inquired about him. I don’t know exactly where things stand. As far as I know, he’s continuing to stay fit and work. We also have to see where the CBA stuff lands, but in all likelihood we’ll find a place for him. I’m just not sure exactly where that will be.”
Gilberto has been training with Brazilian outfit Vasco Da Gama in recent weeks, and a report out of Brazil has also linked him with the Montreal Impact. When contacted by MLSsoccer.com about Gilberto, the Montreal Impact offered only that the team “is currently training in Mexico in preparation for its Champions League game versus Pachuca.”
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With the offseason signings of Altidore and Giovinco, TFC are currently holding four Designated Players on their roster, including Bradley and Gilberto, putting them one over the league limit.
Gilberto is not expected to join Toronto FC at Bradenton, Vanney said, while admitting that, in a way, his Brazilian forward is almost on a paid leave of absence.
“It’s a unique situation,” Vanney said. “He’s taking a look at some different options I think, for himself, as we, along with his representation, work through this process.”
