Toronto FC's Franklin, Zimmerman out for key MLS game against Columbus Crew

TORONTO · Toronto FC will be without two key defenders as it continues its push for an MLS playoff spot this weekend. Kobe Franklin and Walker Zimmerman are both ruled out for Saturday's game against the Columbus Crew due to injuries. Franklin dislocated his shoulder in last weekend's win over the New York Red Bulls, while Zimmerman continues to recover from an ankle issue. The absences come as Toronto sits 10th in the Eastern Conference, just outside a playoff position with four games remaining.

Franklin's shoulder "came out" during a sliding tackle in the 28th minute of the 2-0 victory over New York, head coach Robin Fraser said. "It's incredibly painful," Fraser told reporters. "The feeling is that he should be back in a couple of weeks." The 23-year-old fullback has two goals and two assists in 20 league appearances this season.

Zimmerman, an American centre-back, has missed the team's last three matches with his ankle injury. Fraser said Zimmerman is "still a little ways off" from returning, though the defender has rejoined training. Zimmerman has one goal in 22 MLS appearances this year, with 21 starts. His last game was a 3-1 loss to St. Louis City on Sept. 19.

The club will get a defensive boost from the return of suspended players Richie Laryea and Benjamin Kuscevic. Both are available for the trip to Columbus after serving suspensions for yellow card accumulation. Fraser reported no other injury concerns, meaning most of the first-choice squad will be available for what he called a "must-win" game. Columbus, which also needs points for its own playoff push, plays St. Louis CITY SC in the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night. Fraser refused the idea that this would affect how his team lines up or prepares for Saturday's match. Toronto FC has a record of two wins, one loss and two draws in its last five games.

With files from Sportsnet, Waking The Red and BVM Sports