New reports have revealed when Kip Keller will be available for Minnesota United after his thigh injury. The young center-back missed the season opener against LAFC because he is still recovering.
Despite his absence, the defense put in an impressive performance if we ignore the loss. The backline produced two players who were among the four stars that performed well against LAFC.
Return timeline revealed.
Current training sessions have provided a glimpse of hope concerning Keller’s recovery progress.
The center-back was spotted jogging separately from the senior team earlier last week, which is encouraging, especially with games about to come thick and thin.
Medical staff project a late March return for the 24th overall pick from last December’s draft. Rotowire confirm that Keller will need some additional time to reclaim match fitness in a few weeks.
The coaching staff plans to ease him back gradually to prevent him from getting injured immediately. His return will strengthen Minnesota United’s backline depth, considering the demanding April schedule.
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Facing fierce competition
When he returns, Keller will find it challenging to break into the first XI. Minnesota’s backline has been balanced and solid in his absence, putting in some shit and chemistry ranging from preseason to the season opener.
He has potential, though, as indicated in his impressive 2024 statistics once he gets healthy. Keller prevailed in every tackle and dominated 69.4% of aerial duels over 10 appearances last season. He’ll make a strong case for playing time if he can replicate those numbers this season.
The defender’s recovery adds another option to Eric Ramsay’s backline mystery for 2025. His aerial prowess and tackling capacity could provide tactical flexibility and change off the bench.
And this competition for minutes will only push everyone to perform better and be on their best behavior, which is exactly what the Loons need to have a memorable season.
With Keller fit, the team’s defensive options may well go from solid to elite—just when they need to grind off the MLS season.