Sebastian Blanco makes return from torn ACL vs. Sporting KC originally appeared on NBC Sports Northwest
After fully recovering from a torn ACL, Portland Timbers midfielder Sebastian Blanco made his return to the pitch Saturday evening in the team’s home match against Sporting Kansas City.
The Timbers Twitter account made sure everyone knew it, too.
Blanco was listed as part of 18 players available for the match but did not start.
He tore his ACL on September 6th, 2020 vs. Seattle.
Originally, Giovanni Savarese was optimistic the Timbers would welcome Blanco back in time for the CONCACAF Champions League games but a setback made that impossible.
Blanco had been arguably the Timbers’ best player last season, winning the MLS is Back Tournament MVP after scoring three goals and dishing out five assists inside the Orlando bubble. In nine regular-season appearances last season, the Timbers designated player has two goals and five assists.
“You go back to the MLS is Back Tournament, he was the MVP,” explained Savarese following the injury. “In this team, he is someone that is well-liked by everybody. He’s a competitor. He’s a motivator. He just makes a difference on the field. He’s a very important player and… very important component on our team.”
Blanco underwent successful surgery on September 14th with a timetable of an expected return after six months before his setback.
Welcome back Seba!