Since he was a late scratch from Philadelphia Union’s regular-season finale against New York City FC, everyone has been checking in on the health of forward Kacper Przybylko. With the first round Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs, which pits the Union against New York Red Bulls, four days away, Union head coach Jim Curtin gave a positive update on Przybylko's recovery. He also indicated that captain Alejandro Bedoya is on track to be back for Sunday's showdown.
“There is a plan in place for [Kacper] and he was out on the field and doing things on the side today, but there is certainly a plan in place and it fully involves him starting on Sunday," Curtin assured the assembled press. "Everything has gone according to plan so far. There have been no setbacks or surprises. The plan is clear in his head, it’s clear in our medical staff’s head, it’s clear in my head so that’s what we are sticking with now and he’ll return fully and be integrated with the team at the right time and be ready to go for the weekend.”
The return of Przybylko is a much needed boost to the Boys in Blue as the second-year forward led the squad with 15 goals in 25 starts, going the full distance in all but one appearance. Against a Red Bulls team that will press high up the pitch, Przybylko's ability to hold up play could be crucial.
As for Bedoya, Curtin said the quad injury the captain suffered against Columbus has healed to the point that the midfielder is fully training with the Union.
“Bedoya was back out there training with the group with no restrictions and not as a neutral or anything like that," Curtin said. "Like i said last week, those two guys aren’t going to miss this one. We obviously have to be smart and our medical staff has done a great job with them. Ale trained today fully with no restrictions so he’ll be good.”
The Union host New York Red Bulls on Sunday, October 20th at 3 p.m. at Talen Energy Stadium with the match presented by Captain Morgan. Tickets are going fast and can be purchased online below.
