Bastian Schweinsteiger won’t make his return from injury on Sunday.
The Chicago Fire midfielder told reporters on Wednesday that he will miss the team’s Decision Day matchup at Houston (4 pm ET; MLS LIVE) due to a thigh injury. Schweinsteiger hasn’t started for Chicago since their 1-0 win at Montreal on Sept. 2. He made a 19-minute appearance off the bench on Sept. 30 against NYCFC, but was not in the 18 for their 3-2 win against Philadelphia on Sunday.
He said he’s hoping to return for Chicago’s first playoff game, which could be as early as Wednesday night.
The Fire are currently in third in the East, one point behind NYCFC for the second-seed and first-round bye. They’ll avoid the Knockout Round with a win at Houston and a NYCFC loss or draw against Columbus.
Schweinsteiger, who is out of contract at the end of the year, has three goals and six assists in 24 regular season appearances this year.
While he’s out for Sunday’s match, the Fire did get some good news on the injury front, as fellow midfielder Juninhotold reporters that he’ll be available in Houston. The Brazilian has missed Chicago’s last five games due to a knee injury.
