CHESTER, Pa. – Gabriel Farfan doesn’t have very much luck with his toes.
After making an immediate impact in his first couple of games with the Philadelphia Union, the 22-year-old rookie midfielder dislocated his right pinky toe earlier this month.
It’s an injury he knows too much about. Four years ago, in a club game, he dislocated the big toe on his left foot.
“I’ve had a bit of bad luck,” Farfan told MLSsoccer.com. “It was a little frustrating at first, but the healing process is going quicker than anticipated.”
Farfan has yet to return to practice since suffering the injury on April 5 – a day before the Union’s US Open qualifying loss to D.C. United – and there’s still no timetable for his return.
Currently, he’s working on the side with his trainers, trying to stay in shape while doing a little bit of ball work.
“I can run straight forward, I just can’t cut right now,” Farfan said. “Hopefully in the next few days, I’ll be able to get back on the field.”
For Farfan, the timing of the injury could not have been more disruptive. A preseason trialist, he signed with the Union just one day before the season began and proceeded to come off the bench and help Philly seal their first two victories of the year.
His twin brother and teammate, Michael, has yet to see any minutes in league games but started and played 120 minutes – in three different positions – in the club’s US Open loss to DC.
Gabriel, who says he’s comfortable in the midfield or on the backline, can bring that same kind of versatility to the club when healthy.
“It was a minor setback,” he said about his injury, “but I’m confident I’ll come back and work hard like I have been and keep on playing.”
