Jamal Thiaré
COL
CF
Poacher
Mar 31, 1993 (33)
Right
6'0"
154 lb
Columbus CrewSubstitute option Wednesday
Thiare (calf) is on the bench for Wednesday's visit to D.C. United.
Analysis: Thiare will look to return to the pitch after recovering from a moderate injury that left him out of five MLS matches. The forward was a backup asset for most of the year even when available, though he made three straight starts between July and August, scoring one goal over that span. He could be used in the rotation with Wednesday's starter Josef Martinez and Gonzalo Tapia in future clashes.
Questionable to play Sunday
Thiare (calf) is questionable for Sunday's match against New England.
Analysis: Thiare has been dealing with a lingering ankle issue that has caused him to miss eight of the Crew's last 11 league matches. The questionable tag is a step in the right direction, but he'll probably need to pass a late fitness test to determine whether he'll play this weekend.
Set to miss time with calf injury
Thiare (calf) has suffered another setback with the lingering issue that has bothered him since April and will be sidelined for an unspecified period, according to The Columbus Dispatch.
Analysis: Thiare's calf issue, which has hampered him since April, has flared up again and will keep him out of the Crew lineup for an unspecified stretch, an outcome that traces back to his push to return quickly from the month-long World Cup break. Interim head coach Laurent Courtois acknowledged both player and staff rushed his recovery given how much Columbus needed his speed up front, and after logging 86 minutes in the August 1 draw at Inter Miami, he sat out both Leagues Cup games before this latest setback. Courtois's framing suggests the club now intends to let the injury fully heal rather than manage around it again, which is a sensible approach given the recurring nature of the problem, though it leaves Columbus needing to lean on options like Taha Habroune, Chase Adams, and the incoming Gonzalo Tapia, along with Daniel Gazdag, to cover for his speed and skill up top alongside the loss of Wessam Abou Ali for the season.
Dealing with lower leg injury
Thiare is out for Saturday's game against Charlotte FC due to a lower leg injury.
Analysis: This is a huge blow for Columbus since Thiare had started in the Crew's last three league matches, bagging a goal and taking nine shots (two on target) over that span. With both Thiare and Wessam Abou Ali (knee) out, newcomers Gonzalo Tapia and Josef Martinez will compete for the starting role until Thiare is fit to return again.
Four shots Saturday
Thiare generated four shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Inter Miami CF.
Analysis: Thiare took four shots in Saturday's draw, his most in a match this season. It marked his third consecutive start, and he's done well with his opportunity, scoring once on nine shots (two on target) and creating three chances. He was replaced by Brooks Lennon in the 86th minute.
Scores in Saturday's win
Thiare scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-1 win against FC Cincinnati.
Analysis: Thiare scored his first goal of the season Saturday, a close-range header in the 41st minute assisted by Dylan Chambost. He's started both matches since the Crew returned to MLS play following the World Cup after not starting at all heading into the break. He's played well in those two starts beyond the goal, recording five shots (one on target) and two chances created. With Wessam Abou Ali (knee) done for the season, Thiare will be leading the Crew's attack as the club hopes to get back into playoff contention.
Substitute in friendly
Thiare (lower leg) appeared off the bench in Sunday's friendly against Burnley.
Analysis: Thiare was dealing with a leg injury heading into the World Cup break, but has returned just ahead of the end of the break, as the forward appeared off the bench. This will give the club more depth as the season starts back up, as he is yet to start a game this season, with only one shot in his nine appearances.
Doubtful again
Thiare has been listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's clash with Atlanta United due to a lower leg injury.
Analysis: Thiare is apparently still struggling with his physical issue despite logging 14 minutes in a midweek cup game. The forward is unlikely to be heavily involved in the short term, remaining without a goal contribution in 132 minutes on the field during the 2026 MLS campaign. Meanwhile, Diego Rossi and Taha Habroune will retain big roles in the front line.
Returns to action in US Open Cup
Thiare (lower leg) has returned to fitness after coming off the bench for 14 minutes in Wednesday's US Open Cup 1-0 victory over New York City FC.
Analysis: Thiare had been sidelined with a lower leg issue since one month but his appearance in the cup fixture is a clean bill of health heading into upcoming MLS fixture prior to the World Cup break. The forward has yet to find the net across 146 minutes of play this season and will look to build on his return to competitive action as the Columbus Crew push through the MLS campaign.
Sidelined with injury
Thiare is out for the time being due to a lower leg issue, the MLS reported Friday.
Analysis: Thiare's injury means the Crew will see their depth reduced, with Diego Rossi and Daniel Gazdag likely to stay busy in the front line. Thiare had been working his way back into the lineup after a slow start to the season, but this injury makes it difficult for him to earn a major role in the short term. He has scored no goals in 132 minutes of play during the 2026 MLS campaign.
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