Reds feel ready for rematch with Leon

Toronto FC goes into Wednesday’s rematch with Mexico’s Club Leon boosted by its first round of COVID-19 vaccinations but still feeling the effects of more mundane soccer injuries.

TFC tied 1-1 in Leon last week in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League round-of-16 tie, meaning it has a valuable away goal in its back pocket.

There was another reason to celebrate, with the MLS team posting footage Monday of players getting their COVID-19 vaccinations in Florida.

“I felt the same as some of the players, saying ‘It’s surreal,’ ” said head coach Chris Armas, who has had his first shot. “That’s the word that was used by a few guys. All this talk, all that’s going on, I feel like already I’m more protected against the virus. And physically they are — right away the body starts preparing.

“Even mentally, you stand a little taller … It’s a positive that now we’re feeling a little more protected and we ultimately protect others out there as things return back to normal.”

But there are still more questions than answers about the health of TFC’s injury-riddled squad going into the game at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Fla.

“We’re banged up,” said GM Ali Curtis. “But I think we’re in a better position down here in Florida than we were in Leon. So we feel good about our chances.”

Armas, who normally likes to keep his cards close to his chest, revealed that Spanish playmaker Alejandro Pozuelo will likely be absent again despite some injury improvements.

“The guys that have been injured are slowly coming off that list. So we think we’re getting stronger each day,” he said. “And even stronger tactically.”

Toronto, playing its first competitive match since Nov. 24, managed the first-leg draw despite missing Pozuelo, goalkeeper Quentin Westberg, defenders Chris Mavinga and Justin Morrow and midfielders Jonathan Osorio and Nick DeLeon.

Star striker Jozy Altidore and substitute winger Erickson Gallardo both had to leave the game due to injury.

Armas said most of the walking wounded, including Altidore and Osorio, are considered day to day.

“We’re just trying to balance out the risk to reward (ratio) … The question is, do we use them for this match with what’s at stake?”

The hope is Morrow and winger Tsubasa Endoh will be healthy enough to dress Wednesday. Given Altidore’s history of hamstring issues, it would be a surprise if he saw action.

The club said last week that Pozuelo had stayed in Florida to have a mild strain re-evaluated. Westberg was late joining camp for personal reasons.

The TFC-Leon winner will face either Mexico’s Cruz Azul or Haiti’s Arcahaie FC in the quarterfinals.