D.C. United’s Federico Higuain Returns to Training after ACL Injury

Federico Higuain in 2018. Photo by Dorn Byg/CSM/REX/Shutterstock

D.C. United’s veteran midfielder Federico Higuain is ready for action once again. According to United’s head coach Ben Olsen, Higuain recovered from last year’s ACL tear and returned to training as a full participant in recent weeks.

Higuain, who hasn’t played since May 2019, is also expected to take part in the team’s matches at the upcoming MLS is Back Tournament. The 35-year-old midfielder is expected to provide a significant boost during the competition with his veteran leadership and experience.

The tournament, which serves as the first step in the resume of the 2020 MLS season, will take place in Orlando on July 8th.

Federico Higuain signed with D.C. United in March as a free agent, inking a one-year deal. Due to his injury, United primarily expected him to be a mentor for their younger players and possibly help them make a playoff push once he recovers. But due to the delay of the season, the club will now have Higuain for the majority of 2020 games, and he could prove to be a significant factor in their success this year.

Higuain previously spent eight years with Columbus Crew, making 210 appearances in all competitions with the franchise and scoring 59 goals alongside 70 assists. However, Crew opted not to extend his contract following the end of the 2019 season.

Before coming to MLS, Higuain spent the majority of his early career in native Argentina, where he played with River Plate and Godoy Cruz among other teams. He also had a brief stint with Turkish club Besiktas.

Ben loves sports so much but prefers watching other people do it. He prefers not to share what teams he's supporting but he is willing to admit that Lebron James is, in fact, the king.