Drogba happy to come off the bench for Montreal Impact in MLS playoffs

Montreal Impact striker Didier Drogba has said he has no problem with being used as a substitute.

Drogba refused to be a part of Montreal's gameday roster for its match against Toronto FC on Oct. 16 after being informed he wouldn't start the game. He has not played for the Impact since that game, as the team has said he's suffering from back problems.

Matteo Mancosu making Impact forget about Drogba​

The 38-year-old returned to training on Tuesday ahead of Montreal's second leg of the Eastern Conference semifinal against the New York Red Bulls. With that game set for Sunday, Drogba says he hopes to be ready to play and will accept a role on the bench.


"I've done that in my career, even in Chelsea, you know, in Champions League games," Drogba told reporters.

"I started in my career as a sub so I don't know why it should be difficult for me to be on the bench. I think I've showed it, even against San Jose, so I don't think it's difficult for people to understand I can be on the bench and without making it a big drama. Anyway, I'm not the type of guy to justify what I'm doing or not."

Drogba did indicate his back was making progress, though the injury is still not where he wants it to be.

"It's a bit better, but not the best, not what I want. But we're working on it," Drogba said. "We've been working for days to get back to fitness and today, for the first time, I managed to make two sessions, one this morning and one this afternoon, so, a bit satisfied."

In Drogba's absence, Matteo Mancosu has taken a starring role at striker for Montreal, scoring three goals in two playoff matches — including the game's lone goal in a 1-0 win over New York in last Sunday's first leg in Montreal.