FC Dallas coach Luchi Gonzalez said Thursday that striker Zdenek Ondrasek is dealing with a family issue and it remains unclear when he will be available to return to the team.
Ondrasek has not played a part in Dallas' last two games, last appearing in the club's 3-1 win over Minnesota on Aug. 29.
"I wish I could answer that," Gonzalez said, when asked during a virtual media availability about when Ondrasek would be available again. "And I wish I could count on him to be available.
"Ever since he’s seen injured he’s been trying to fight his way back into rhythm and form and I feel like he’s been getting better and better. But there’s a family situation, a private situation that I can’t go into detail about that he just needs time to process and I respect that and we respect that as a club. So I'm not sure if we’ll see him soon or even again. That’s the reality of the situation but I’m going to learn more each day."
Ondrasek's absence represents a significant blow for Dallas. The 31-year-old, nicknamed Kobra, scored seven goals in 17 appearances (seven starts) last season after arriving from Polish side Wisla Krakow. That form earned him a debut for the Czech Republic, which he took full advantage of with a goal off the bench to give his country a win over England.
