Lorenzo Insigne’s debut for new side Toronto FC has been put on hold due to a calf injury, his manager Bob Bradley said.
The former Napoli attacker joined the Major League Soccer side this summer and, along with fellow Italian Dominico Criscito, is eligible to make his debut in Saturday’s trip to San Jose Earthquakes.
However, a calf injury means Toronto FC fans will have to wait a little longer and the visit of Charlotte FC on July 23 is a more realistic target.
Speaking after training on Wednesday, Bradley told reporters: “In the periods now where he’s been on the field there’s been discomfort and so he’s been taken off the field.
“My guess is that it is going to take a few weeks to get him ready,” he added. “I think a realistic target is going to be July 23. That’s not official. There’s always hope that things can move faster.”
Insigne, a Euro 2020 winner with Italy, spent 10 seasons as a Napoli first-team player, making his debut in 2010 during Walter Mazzarri’s time as coach.
He was Serie B Footballer of the Year in 2012 during a spell on loan at Pescara, where they won the second tier.
Upon returning to Napoli, he has twice won the Coppa Italia and clinched the Supercoppa in 2014.