A handful of Minnesota United players glad-handed with special guests from club sponsor Allianz Life after Friday’s training session. Only Bakaye Dibassy received an introduction to the small group.
“Not many players can come back from this injury,” Loons Chief Soccer Officer Manny Lagos said of Dibassy needing nearly 10 months to recover from a surgical repair to a ruptured quadriceps tendon suffered last August.
The Loons had doubts Dibassy would return at all this season, but the center back came back into full training in late May and made his season debut as a late substitute in last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Real Salt Lake. He then played the second half of MNUFC’s 2-1 victory over FC Kaiserslautern in an international friendly Wednesday.
MNUFC brought in Micky Tapias from Mexico to fill Dibassy’s starting spot at left-sided center back. Tapias has become a mainstay and will keep his spot for Saturday’s game against Portland Timbers at Allianz Field.
“At one stage, we thought we might not get (Dibassy) at all this season,” Loons manager Adrian Heath said. “So with half the season left, it’s a huge bonus for us. … It’s a testimony to the work he’s done.”
Dibassy, who turns 34 in August, said he didn’t hold overall doubts he could return to the field, but needed to be patient as he set out on a long process. On a recent episode of “Sound of the Loons” podcast, he referenced a French phrase about not “burning” a step, a reminder that every increment is important.
“I saw a lot of players have injuries, be depressed and come back and play and be great,” Dibassy said. “I knew you can come back from a big injury already. I have enough experience to know how to manage this situation. I’m not 20 years old.”
Dibassy acknowledged he is not yet 100 percent, but said he felt good coming out of the exhibition against the German club midweek. Heath said Dibassy could cameo at left back, if necessary, but he won’t give Dibassy too much, too soon.
The quad tendon injury Dibassy endured can rival an anterior cruciate ligament tear in a knee. The healing process can be longer than an ACL and a lot of strengthening work is necessary before on-field work can begin.
Dibassy said there were “some days” he wanted to “give up because it’s hard, it’s very hard.” Fatigue, soreness and the monotony of another exercise or gym session wore on him. “It’s not like you go for one week. It’s like 10 months,” he said.
Dibassy, who was born in Paris, was boosted by a month he spent at Clairefontaine, the famed French rehabilitation facility.
“Everyone is rehabbing in a different step, so it’s good,” he said. “It’s better to be with them than to be alone. Sometimes it’s frustrating to be around the team when they are playing and you are in rehab.”
If Dibassy’s mood lagged at times, it didn’t show around the Loons’ training grounds in Blaine.
“It being such a freak injury last year and him being such an important part of the group, to have him back, his charisma, his energy; he’s just awesome,” Loons captain Wil Trapp said in May. “Speaking of professionalism and a guy who puts it in every single day, you cheer for those types of guys.”
Briefly
New Designated Player Teemy Pukki is in Helsinki working on his U.S. visa, and the Loons are hopeful the Finnish striker can obtain it in time to debut against Austin FC in St. Paul on July 8. … If the Loons bring in Ethan Bristow during the summer transfer window, the English left back would be an Under-22 Initiative signing, Heath said Friday. That appears to be an indication of the size of investment MNUFC might be making in the coveted youngster. … Ismael Tajouri-Shardi and his agent were in Minnesota on Friday as the 29-year-old Swiss/Libyan winger ironed out a contract with the Loons’ leadership. … St. Louis Park midfielder Emmanuel Iwe became the first MNUFC2 player to sign an MLS contract, the club said Friday. It’s a deal through the end of the 2023 season, with three club options through 2026. … The Timbers will be without key midfielder Evander for Saturday’s game. The Brazilian, who was brought in for a $10 million transfer fee, was suspended by MLS for hitting New York City’s Matias Pellegrini in the face June 24. … Portland also will be without Yimmy Chara (hamstring), Sebastian Blanco (thigh) and Dairon Asprilla (hamstring). … MNUFC winger Franco Fragapane (thigh) is out for a second straight match, with Austin pegged as a possible return fixture. … MNUFC’s Under-19 midfielder Kage Romanshyn was selected to play in the MLS Next All-Star Game in Annapolis, Md., on July 19. The Apple Valley product has played 15 games for the U19 side and four matches for MNUFC2 this season. … Dibassy, who is being paid $661,250 in 2023, will be out of contract at the end of the season, but the club has an option to bring him back for next year.