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Matt Besler returned to the Sporting Kansas City practiced field for the first time in a couple weeks Wednesday. While he trained on his own with one of the staff putting him through his paces Besler was just happy to be training again. "Everything was good today," Besler told reporters after practice. "Everything felt great, it felt great to be back on the field."
With Aurelian Collin out for the DC United match this Sunday because of yellow card accumulation, Sporting KC would be happy to have the 2012 Defender of the Year back and available. Collin's suspension is not the motivating factor for Besler though. "I want to be on the field as quick as possible no matter the circumstance," Besler explained. "That's not really in my head, I've been focused from day one of making sure I am 100% and ready to play."
Besler seemed to be reluctant to discuss what SKC manager Peter Vermes had described as a "MCL tweak" last week. While Besler is focused on making sure he is 100% ready for Sporting Kansas City, he does not want the situation to affect a possible call up to National Team camp at the end of the month.
U.S. National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann contacted Besler as soon as reports of his injury became known. "They keep tabs on everybody," said Besler "On Monday, after the weekend games, they meet and they go over the results and how many minutes each guy played, injuries and all that. So I've been in contact with the head trainer, just keeping him updated and in the loop on how I'm feeling, and everything's been positive."
It is expected that Klinsmann will announce his initial roster for the upcoming friendlies and World Cup Qualifiers today, Thursday afternoon.
While it is a good sign to have Besler training again, it is unclear whether he will be cleared to play in D.C. this weekend. Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes had considered recalling Yann Songo'o off of loan to Orlando City but feels he can pair Ike Opara with Lawrence Olum or Michael Thomas if needed. Olum is the likely choice since he played numerous games last year at center back including 120 minutes in Sporting KC's win over Seattle in the Open Cup final.