Benjamín Kuscevic
TOR
Center Back
Controlled Center Back
May 2, 1996 (30)
Right
6'1"
168 lb
Set for return after disciplinary absence
Kuscevic is back in contention for Toronto after completing his one-match suspension for yellow card accumulation, which kept him out of Saturday's MLS encounter against the New York Red Bulls.
Analysis: Kuscevic was forced to sit out Saturday's trip to New York after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season during the 3-3 draw against Orlando City. The Chilean center-back has established himself as a regular starter when available, making his return an important boost to Toronto's defensive options. Zane Monlouis had been the leading candidate to cover his absence, but Kuscevic is now eligible to reclaim his place in the starting lineup for Toronto's next fixture.
Receives fifth yellow card
Kuscevic will be suspended for Saturday's MLS clash against New York Red Bulls after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season during Wednesday's 3-3 draw against Orlando City, according to the league.
Analysis: Kuscevic picked up his fifth booking of the campaign Wednesday, triggering an automatic one-match suspension that will keep him out of Saturday's trip to New York. The center-back had recently returned from international duty with Chile and recovered from a muscular issue, having established himself as a regular starter when available. His absence will force Toronto to adjust its defensive lineup, with Zane Monlouis the leading candidate to replace him.
Cleared after international break
Kuscevic (undisclosed) is not listed on Toronto FC's injury report for Saturday's MLS clash against CF Montreal, indicating he is available for selection following his return from international duty with Chile.
Analysis: Kuscevic appears ready to return to Toronto's defensive lineup after recovering from the muscle injury he sustained while representing Chile. The center-back had already been expected to be available for Saturday's derby, and his absence from the latest injury report further supports his return to contention. Having started his previous eight available matches and made 14 MLS appearances this season, Kuscevic should be in contention to reclaim his regular starting role alongside Walker Zimmerman, providing Toronto with an important defensive boost.
Likely back for Montreal clash
Kuscevic (undisclosed) is expected to be available for Saturday's match against CF Montreal, coach Robin Fraser said Wednesday, per John Molinaro of TFC Republic.
Analysis: Kuscevic is expected to return for the derby against CF Montreal following a muscle injury sustained while on international duty with Chile. The defender had cemented his place in the side by starting his previous eight available matches, featuring 14 times overall in MLS play this year. His recovery should see him immediately reclaim a starting role next to Walker Zimmerman if he is deemed fully fit to start.
Suffers muscle injury
Kuscevic dropped out of the Chilean national team's training camp after picking up a muscular problem, according to Brandon Que of Waking the Red.
Analysis: Kuscevic will need to undergo tests to determine the extent of his injury and may head back to the sidelines, having already missed a stretch of the season through a groin issue. The defender has been busy since returning from that last absence, posting five shots, 27 clearances and 10 tackles over eight MLS matches played. If he can't take part in upcoming games, there could continue to be increased chances for Nicksoen Gomis and Zane Monlouis to produce.
Called up by Chile
Kuscevic has been called up by Chile for the matches against Canada, USA and Mexico during the upcoming international window in September and October.
Analysis: Kuscevic has started in all but two of the games he's been available for this season, so he's a lock to start at center-back when healthy. With Chile set to play Canada, the USMNT and Mexico, the center-back will miss the Sept. 26 trip to Nashville SC. However, he should be ready to return for the Oct. 10 meeting with CF Montreal. Jackson Gilman, who can play as both left-back and center-back, could be an option to take his place in the XI.
Option following break
Kuscevic (groin) is on the bench for Thursday's match against Montreal.
Analysis: Kuscevic was training over the break once again, and that has led to his return, with the defender fit for a spot on the bench in their return to play. He has missed six games this season due to injury, but is typically a starter when fit, as this is his first appearance on the team sheet not playing immediately. That said, he will likely look to return to a starting role next contest.
Back to full training
Kuscevic (groin) appears to have taken part in full training, according to John Molinaro of TFC Republic.
Analysis: Kuscevic's return to full training is a boost for a backline that has been shuffled in his absence. The central defender offers experience and stability at the back once he is available for selection. A formal return to matchday contention is expected to follow further evaluation in the coming days.
Groin absence carries over
Kuscevic is out for the time being due to a groin injury, per the MLS Player Status Report.
Analysis: Kuscevic has been absent for consecutive matchdays with this groin issue, and Toronto's backline continues to be shuffled. He's a central defender without major scoring upside. However, it does mark the loss of another regular starter.
Subbed off injured
Kuscevic was forced off in the first half of Saturday's clash against Atlanta United due to an apparent injury.
Analysis: Kuscevic was forced off in the 20th minute of Saturday's clash against Atlanta United due to an apparent injury and will undergo further tests in the coming days to determine the severity of the issue, though his potential absence should not be too damaging with Walker Zimmerman expected to return for the next match.
Starting during return
Kuscevic (groin) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Atlanta.
Analysis: Kuscevic overcame the injury that had brought an end to his run of five consecutive MLS starts, with the coaching staff clearing the Chilean to retake his place in the backline after his return timeline had been left uncertain in the days prior. The defender had been in decent form despite his side's defensive struggles, tallying at least three clearances in each of his appearances this season. His ability to recover in time is a welcome development for a side that had been managing without one of their key defensive starters.
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