BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Dilly Duka's breakout stretch won't continue this week.
After becoming one of the Fire's more dangerous offensive players over the last month, Duka strained his groin during the first half of Saturday's 4-1 win over DC United, and the midfielder doesn't expect to make the trip to Houston this weekend.
“I haven't trained and if you don't train, you don't see yourself on the field on the weekend,” Duka told MLSsoccer.com on Thursday. “I'm going to definitely train when the team is gone with the ball and then early next week, jump into full.”
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Duka has trained on the side progressively throughout the week, and he hopes to be back in time for the team's trip to Philadelphia next weekend.
The 23-year-old's injury comes at a time when midfield spots are becoming more and more hard to come by. Patrick Nyarko will return this weekend after missing Saturday's win with strep throat, and Joel Lindpere will likely play on the left side after delivering two assists in each of his last two starts.
Chicago also added offensive depth when they added Designated Player forward Juan Luis Anangono, which may eventually push forward Chris Rolfe back into the midfield.
READ: Chicago FIre Athletico Injury Report
His position may be slightly more difficult to regain when he comes back, but Duka is making sure not to rush his way back.
“I'm going to take my time,” Duka said. “I'm strengthening my groin every day. I'm not training with the team, I think I'm going to start training with them early next week.”
