Jesus Bueno, Mikael Uhre To Return for Philadelphia Union Against Toronto FC

The Philadelphia Union will get back some depth for their Saturday clash in Ontario.

The Philadelphia Union are slowly starting to get some depth back.

Union head coach Jim Curtin confirmed on Thursday that Jesus Bueno and Mikael Uhre will be available for selection for Saturday’s trip to Toronto FC.

“Bueno will be back. Uhre will be back,” Curtin said.

Uhre had been out with an adductor issue, while Bueno missed Saturday’s game with the New York Red Bulls due to an ankle injury.

The two most experienced players on the roster, Alejandro Bedoya and Andre Blake, are being closely watched as well. Bedoya will likely come off the bench again on Saturday.

“Bedoya can play a little bit of a bigger role in the game, which is helpful,” Curtin said.

Blake resumed first-team training this week, but a decision has not been made yet on his status for Saturday.

“Andre trained today with the team, which is a positive. Still have a meeting with him after this to see where he’s at. Still have one more training session then we’ll make a decision and an assessment there,” Curtin said.

“We’re at our best when Andre is back. It’s great what Andrew has done and the experience that he’s gaining, but if we’re going to go anywhere on a run, I think you all understand it has to be with our best players on the field. Andre is one of our best players. If he’s ready, he’ll play.”

Andrew Rick brought some stability to the goalkeeping position on Saturday, but there is still a huge gap between the 18-year-old Homegrown and the three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.

The Union obviously do not want to rush Blake back, but if the Jamaican feels like he can go, it will be worth for a team fighting for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

Curtin’s recent answers about the goalkeeper situation have been short, which expressed his exasperation with Oliver Semmle’s play and rushing Rick into making his MLS debut.

Blake might not be back on Saturday, but it sounds like there’s a good chance he’ll push toward starting the upcoming home games against Nashville SC and New England Revolution.

Jose Martinez will likely be back in the starting lineup then as well. Martinez has had some days off after Venezuela’s Copa America exit before returning to the Union.

“Jose is still coming back from Venezuela. Hopefully he can make the trip to at least help off the bench,” Curtin said.

The Union will not be at 100 strength for quite some time since Jack McGlynn and Nathan Harriel are already off at pre-Olympic camp, but the Union as close to healthy as they can be right now.

“Getting stronger, but not at full strength is how I would describe it,” Curtin said.

Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union.