Impact expect Fanni back to defend against Revolution

MONTREAL — The Montreal Impact hope to have defender Rod Fanni back from injury this week.

The former French international has not played since leaving an April 14 game against the New York Red Bulls, with what the Major League Soccer team called a minor muscular problem.

“I feel better and better, day after day,” Fanni said Thursday. “This week I will see how I feel, but I think I’m really close.”

The 36-year old resumed full training this week and should be available for a home game Saturday against the New England Revolution.

The Impact (2-6) are on a fourgame losing run in which they have conceded 16 goals — including nine in two full games without Fanni.

The Impact defence has been in turmoil since the start of the season through injuries and suspensions.And the Impact are about to get some players back.

Central defender Victor Cabrera is to return from a one-game suspension, while forward Matteo Mancosu has resumed training and is also expected to return from a calf injury.

The Impact picked up Fanni from Marseille of the French league in March after Diallo went down. He is signed through June, but will most likely be kept on.

The six-foot-two Fanni is especially anxious to begin a partnership with fellow Frenchman Rudy Camacho, who joined the Impact last month.

No one wants Fanni back more than goalkeeper Evan Bush.

“When you’re dealing with storms, you need someone with that calming influence and he provides that for sure,” he said.