TORONTO -- Toronto FC fans hoping to see Danny Koevermans much-missed goal celebration may have to wait a little longer. Rob Francois Packers Jersey . The Dutch striker, who has been out for more than 10 months due to knee surgery, is in doubt for his comeback game Saturday against the visiting Philadelphia Union. "He twinged his other knee, so hes in doubt," manager Ryan Nelsen said Wednesday after Koevermans missed practice. "Its a really minor thing." Koevermans, 34, has not played since tearing up his knee last July in New England. Toronto has gone 2-17-8 in MLS play in his absence. The big striker, who has 17 goals in 26 games for TFC, has been raring to go for weeks and has looked sleek in practice. Backup goalkeeper Stefan Frei missed practice again after being injured in practice last week. At the time, he said he had been cleated but the problem is now said to be a hamstring. Frei was slated to have a scan later Wednesday. Nelsen is hopeful the injury is minor and that the goalie should be available next week. The news is not so good for fullback Richard Eckersley, who has been out since April 6 after injuring his hamstring celebrating a goal by teammate Darel Russell. The English defender, who has missed nine games already, re-tore the hamstring. "Eckersleys a long way away," said Nelsen. Logan Emory is sidelined by a bone bruise on his foot while fellow defender Danny Califf, the victim of a virus, is expected back in training Thursday. Striker Justin Braun, coming back from an ankle knock, trained by himself Wednesday. Nelsen called him day-to-day. The good news for Nelsen is that Russell is back training, giving him a choice of three fullbacks including Ryan Richter and Ashtone Morgan. Nelsen has shifted captain Darren ODea from centre back to left back the last two games, playing Steven Caldwell and Doneil Henry in the middle with Richter on the right. ODea was on the bench Wednesday as Ireland played England to a 1-1 draw in a high-profile friendly at Wembley. He is due to fly back to Toronto for TFCs game Saturday before returning to Dublin for games next week against Georgia (a friendly) and the Faroe Islands (a World Cup qualifier). It was ODeas decision to return for the Toronto game. Nelsen seemed torn on what to do Saturday with ODea, given his captains commitment in returning to Toronto between games and the air miles that come with it. With ODea not playing Wednesday, chances are he will see action on the weekend in Toronto, although Nelsen talked up Morgans recent form. Toronto (1-7-4) is winless in 10 league games and has lost its last five. Philadelphia (5-5-3) is coming off a 5-3 loss in Montreal last week although it defeated the Ocean City NorEasters 2-1 in U.S. Open Cup play Tuesday. Josh Sitton Packers Jersey . This years top NFL free agent heard four teams pitches in person. Mike Daniels Packers Jersey .S. Senate urged NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday to change the Washington Redskins name, saying it is nothing less than a racist slur and the time is ripe to replace it.MESA, Ariz. -- Jeff Samardzija isnt sure where hell be by the end of the season. Hes a good candidate to be traded by the Chicago Cubs given his one-year contract and hes determined to pitch well whether he stays put or gets dealt. "I know if I do my part and do what I expect of myself and what the team expects of me, then everything else is clear about what the future holds," Samardzija said. "All I can do is increase my value as much as possible, and I think in the end, its going to help the organization no matter what. Either it helps the organization by keeping me here and proving that Im that guy, or I increase my value and help them get prospects in return." For now a cloud hovers over him. As pitchers and catchers worked out for the first time on Friday, Samardzija stared at an uncertain future. Failed attempts at a long-term contract led to trade talks and, ultimately, a one-year agreement worth $5,345,000 to avoid arbitration on Saturday -- two days before his scheduled hearing. Samardzija wouldnt reveal how wide the gap is for a longer contract. "If there wasnt a gap we would have already signed," he said. "But both sides are justified. Its not like anyones asking for some outlanddish concept. Jarrett Boykin Packers Jersey. I understand where theyre coming from. They understand where Im coming from. Thats really all there is to say." Are they still discussing a multi-year deal? "Were not really going to talk about that," he said. "Were about this season. Were looking to get ready to compete and win some ballgames. We dont want any distractions whether its with that or the trade talks or this or that. To me, its a no-comment. Im out there getting ready to do my thing and, like I said before, put no doubt in anybodys minds about who I am or what I can be for this team or this organization." The 29-year-old Samardzija is coming off an unremarkable season that saw him go 8-13 with a 4.34 ERA, but he was one of only 10 pitchers with at least 200 innings and 200 strikeouts. Hes also not eligible for free agency until 2015, an added plus for potential suitors. And with the Cubs in a rebuilding mode, his days in Chicago could be winding down. "You address it because its going to be talked about," new manager Rick Renteria said. "What were going to try to do is make him understand that the only thing that is significantly important to him is what he does between the lines." cheap jerseys ' ' '
