Walker Zimmerman
TOR
Center Back
Controlled Center Back
May 19, 1993 (33)
Right
6'3"
196 lb
Training fully
Zimmerman (ankle) was in full training Thursday and is trending towards availability for Saturday's match against Columbus, according to John Molinaro of TFC Republic.
Analysis: Zimmerman was out the past four games due to ankle issues, but is working back into action, with the defender rejoining full team training. This will give the club a starter back to end the season, a solid veteran presence to have available. The only question will be if he can start right away, potentially needing to build a bit more fitness.
Will miss both games this week
Zimmerman (ankle) will miss the two matches this week against Orlando City and NY Red Bulls, according to John Molinaro of TFC Republic.
Analysis: Losing Zimmerman is a huge blow for the Reds, as he's the squad's most experienced defender, but it's clear Toronto doesn't want to risk him and miss him for the rest of the season. Benjamin Kuscevic, Nicksoen Gomis and Zane Monlouis are options to take on increased defensive responsibilities while the regular starter is out.
Sidelined through ankle issue
Zimmerman is not an option for Saturday's clash against Montreal as he recovers from an ankle injury, per the MLS Player Status Report.
Analysis: Zimmerman is Toronto's most experienced and authoritative defensive presence, making his ankle injury a big worry for the club. Without him, the back line loses its best organizer and aerial threat, and whoever partners in central defense will face a meaningful step up in responsibility. Getting him back fit before the end of the regular season will be a priority for a TFC side in the playoff hunt. Still, there's a chance he'll miss a couple of games and possibly more depending on the severity of the blow. Benjamin Kuscevic (undisclosed), Nicksoen Gomis and Zane Monlouis are options to take on increased defensive responsibilities while the regular starter is out.
Returns from suspension
Zimmerman is available again after serving his one-match suspension for yellow-card accumulation.
Analysis: Zimmerman is eligible to return to the back line after sitting out one match through suspension. The center-back had been a regular presence before his absence, recording 52 clearances, 19 interceptions and 14 tackles across his previous nine appearances. He should be in contention to immediately regain his starting role now that he is available again.
Missing Nashville trip
Zimmerman had three clearances and four interceptions in Saturday's 3-1 loss to St. Louis City SC. He also picked up a yellow card and is set for a one match suspension.
Analysis: Zimmerman will sit out the visit to Nashville after being booked in the loss to St. Louis. His back line has struggled for weeks, failing to keep a clean sheet in nine straight appearances. Individually, he's been productive with 52 clearances, 19 interceptions, and 14 tackles in that span, but that form hasn't carried over to the unit as a whole, making his absence a significant blow for Saturday.
Has costly own goal
Zimmerman had an own goal, two shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 4-4 draw versus Chicago Fire.
Analysis: Zimmerman was fine in terms of his production but his own goal ultimately cost Toronto two points. The defender is probably going to be more concerned about his third of the field against Nashville, a side which has scored 47 times in 23 MLS games while only conceding 17 goals.
Available for Saturday
Zimmerman has served his one match suspension and will be an option for the clash with NYCFC on Saturday
Analysis: Zimmerman had to miss the trip to Miami on Saturday due to a red card suspension, with that being just his fourth game missed this season. He had previously played and started the last nine MLS games in a row, totaling 55 clearances with six blocks and keeping two clean sheets in that span.
Sent off Wednesday
Zimmerman received a straight red card during Wednesday's clash with Charlotte.
Analysis: Zimmerman stopped a clear chance with a foul, earning the red card and a consequent suspension for the next match against Inter Miami. Losing the defender is a tough blow to a team that relies heavily on him at center-back. Zane Monlouis was on the bench midweek and could be the first candidate to fill in while Zimmerman serves his ban. The regular starter will be eligible again to face New York City FC on Aug. 29.
Option again
Zimmerman (undisclosed) has been cleared for Saturday's match against San Jose, according to manager Robin Fraser, per John Molinaro of TFC Republic.
Analysis: Zimmerman has been cleared of his injuries as he prepares for the weekend, set to make a return against the Earthquakes. This will give the club a starting defender back, a good sign after six goals conceded in the three games he has missed this year. He should assume his starting role back immediately, a veteran presence in the backline.
Ruled out Saturday
Zimmerman (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Atlanta.
Analysis: Zimmerman is a late scratch for Saturday's match against Atlanta United due to an undisclosed injury. The former Nashville man brings averages of 5.7 clearances, 1.8 interceptions and 1.2 tackles per game in the three-man central defense, making his continued unavailability a notable blow for the backline. Raheem Edwards is set to retain the starting spot in his place, with Zimmerman's return timeline to be monitored closely in the coming days.
Starting midweek
Zimmerman (calf) is back in the starting XI to face Philadelphia Union on Wednesday.
Analysis: Zimmerman has fully overcome an injury that sidelined him in the previous two MLS matches, immediately being restored to a starting spot at the expense of Raheem Edwards. The former Nashville man is expected to feature as part of a three-man central defense, where he may be trusted for his averages of 5.7 clearances, 1.8 interceptions and 1.2 tackles per game.
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