Jonathan Bamba
CHI
Left Winger
Half-Space Orchestrator
Mar 26, 1996 (30)
Right
5'9"
159 lb
Nets on two shots
Bamba scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Tuesday's 3-1 victory versus Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Analysis: Bamba took a pair of shots during Tuesday's win and scored once. The midfielder wasn't too frequently involved in the match, but that wasn't required as he was efficient even with his limited volume. Bamba will be hard to trust with such limited volume moving forward.
Seven shots in win
Bamba had seven shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 1-0 win versus Charlotte FC.
Analysis: Bamba took a ridiculous seven shots, but put only two of them on goal during Saturday's win. Charlotte had someone sent off, which gave Bamba numerous chances on the ball, though he was largely wasteful with them. His willingness to shoot is certainly worth something, but he needs to be more accurate to have more upside.
Fit Sunday
Bamba (lower body) is on the bench for Sunday's match against New England.
Analysis: Bamba was questionable the past few matches for the Fire and is finally an option for a return, earning a role on the bench. This ends his two-match absence as he will now look to get back into a starting role, starting in 13 of his 16 appearances while bagging four goal contributions this season.
Carrying questionable tag
Bamba is questionable for Saturday's game against Toronto FC due to a lower-body injury.
Analysis: Bamba has started in 13 of his 16 appearances for the Fire this season, notching two goals and two assists. Not having him in the XI could be a huge blow for Chicago, though a late call will be made to determine his status. If Bamba can't go Saturday, expect Maren Haile-Selassie to emerge as a potential replacement.
Returns to full training
Bamba (not injury related) has returned to full training and is expected to be available for the clash against Vancouver on July 16, according to Joe Chatz.
Analysis: Bamba's return is a welcome development for Chicago Fire after the winger had been listed as questionable for non-injury related reasons in recent weeks. One of the more dynamic wide attackers in the squad, his availability gives the coaching staff a key creative option back in contention heading into the upcoming fixture. Maren Haile-Selassie and Robin Lod had been among the options to cover in his absence but are now likely to revert to depth roles with Bamba back in full training.
Questionable again
Bamba was listed as questionable for Saturday's visit to Montreal for reasons not related to injury.
Analysis: Bamba is one of Chicago's more dynamic wide attackers, capable of creating danger and contributing directly in the final third, and a potential new absence is a big worry for the club, with the attacker already missing a few games this year due to personal reasons. Without further detail from the team, it's difficult to tell if Bamba will play in upcoming contests. Maren Haile-Selassie and Robin Lod could see increased time in his place if required.
On bench Saturday
Bamba (personal) is on the bench for Saturday's contest versus Cincinnati.
Analysis: Bamba could play a role again following his two-game absence in league play, offering a solid alternative to Robin Lod on the left flank. The Ivorian was in great form before getting hurt, having scored or assisted in each of his latest three starts. He'll try to make an impact off the bench before pushing for an increased role in the next fixtures.
Back in training
Bamba (personal) took part in Tuesday's practice after being away from the team for the past two weeks, Joe Chatz of On Tap Sports reports.
Analysis: Bamba's potential return in upcoming fixtures would imply a big boost to the squad, with the midfielder previously seeing a lot of action on the left wing. He has scored two goals and delivered two assists over six MLS starts this season. His inclusion in the initial squad would push Puso Dithejane back to a bench spot going forward.
Remains away from team
Bamba (personal) has yet to appear in training as he remains away from the team, per Jonathan Bamba of On Tap Sports Net.
Analysis: Bamba remains in France as he attends to personal matters, missing already two matches for Chicago. It is unclear when the midfielder will return, where he had scored two goals and assists through six games played.
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