FRISCO, Texas – It’s been more than a year since David Ferreira appeared in a regular season game, and his recovery from a broken ankle was set back after further surgery last month.

Now, finally, fans may see him back on a pitch this summer. According to FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman, the star midfielder will likely resume training next month.

“[In] June, we have a lot of down time,” Hyndman told MLSsoccer.com. “This will be a perfect time for him to get back into training and us not having to worry about [getting] him on the field this weekend.”

Hyndman is optimistic that Ferriera could be available as soon as FCD’s June 16 date with Houston, but the Colombian will most likely be at full strength in July.

“I would hope July would be a realistic timeline to get David back,” the coach said. “I think his spirit is as high as it’s ever been.

“He’s had a lot of setbacks. He’s been pretty frustrated. It’s his first injury, so he’s had to deal with all that. I think right now he feels really good about himself. He is really excited to get back to get on the field.”

Ihemelu still recovering

Ugo Ihemelu is still working his way back from what the team listed on the injury report as concussion symptoms. The veteran center back was back on the sidelines on Wednesday, but watched training while sporting new sunglasses.

“He doesn’t wear sunglasses, so one of the signs of still having problems is it’s too bright,” Hyndman said. “He’s still sensitive to light.”

Ihemelu has now missed the last two games, and Hyndman is in no rush to get his captain back on the pitch unless he’s completely confident he’s recovered.

The veteran has not practiced at all this week and will most likely miss Saturday’s home game against Philadelphia (8:30 pm ET, watch LIVE online).

Briefly

• Midfielder Ricardo Villar joined the tail end of training on Wednesday, but is still out another two to three weeks, according to Hyndman, while he recovers from a muscle strain in his right foot.

• Carlos Rodríguez was also back on the training pitch on Wednesday, but wore protective padding on his left elbow, which he dislocated last month against Real Salt Lake.

• Zach Loyd will miss Saturday’s game vs. the Union due to the red card he received in last weekend’s defeat at Columbus. Hyndman said Loyd will be a “key loss.”

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