April 14, 2010 MLS--Toronto FC Julian de Guzman recovering from the flu (TorontoFC.ca)

Midfielder Julian de Guzman recovering from the flu
Author: Luke Wileman
Media Affiliate: TorontoFC.ca
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 3:40pm

Toronto FC trained at BMO Field Wednesday morning for the final time before the home opener against Philadelphia Union on Thursday night (7:00 p.m. live on GOL TV Canada). The only player to sit out the session was long term injury absentee Emmanuel Gomez.

Julian de Guzman has been suffering with illness and did not start Saturday's match in New England, but he has trained with the team over the last couple of days and coach Preki expects the midfielder to be available. "It was unfortunate that he came out with flu just before the match in New England and we had to change the line up a little bit, but hopefully he will be o.k. for this game."

Preki can also call upon two players who spent preseason rehabbing from injury. Striker Chad Barrett made his first appearance of the season as a second half substitute against the Revolution and midfielder Jacob Peterson is getting closer to making his Toronto FC debut. "Chad is o.k. and he should be in the 18 unless something happens before the match. Hopefully he will be able to give us something. Jacob is feeling good. We will see according to how he feels if he is able to be involved."

Toronto could also hand debuts to two defensive reinforcements. Canadian international Adrian Cann and Russian Maxim Usanov were both added to the squad earlier this week. "It was very important to add more defensive players," said Preki. "They have been working hard recently and hopefully they know about the system that we want to play. As we go forward they will get more comfortable with the team. Finally we feel like a team because we have good numbers out there. It has been a long process but we are looking forward now to getting stronger as a squad."

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