HANOVER, N.J. – For as many returning players as the New York Red Bulls boast, their league-best defensive core from 2015 was conspicuously altered during Sunday’s season opener.

Of course, ironman Luis Robles was once again standing between the pipes for New York, playing 90 minutes for the 107th consecutive MLS regular season game, the second-longest streak in MLS history. However, the centerback duo that was so often seen in head coach Jesse Marsch’s starting XI was not to be seen on the day.

And while Matt Miazga won’t be coming back any time soon following his sale to Chelsea, Red Bulls fans can surely count on the return of Damien Perrinelle.

After suffering a torn ACL in the first leg of New York’s matchup with DC United in the Eastern Conference semifinals last year, the Frenchman has been working his way back to the pitch ever since.

During preseason, Perrinelle split his time between New Jersey and his native France in his road to recovery. And on Wednesday afternoon, Perrinelle returned to the team’s training facility in high spirits.

“I’m really happy to be back here,” he told NewYorkRedBulls.com. “I’m happy to get back into the locker room with my teammates. Plus it’s a beautiful day, so it’s even better.”

He may not have been able to participate in Sunday’s match, but that doesn’t mean Perrinelle wasn’t working.

While back home, Perrinelle ditched the shin pads and picked up a microphone to try his hand at an analyst position, if only temporarily.

“I was on a TV show about MLS in France which aired on Eurosport, so I was able to watch the game on Sunday night,” he explained. “For sure I was disappointed by the result, but not by the way we played. I think we have to keep on going and get better for the next game.”

Despite the 2-0 defeat to Toronto FC, Perrinelle was pleased with his team’s defensive performance in his absence. And like so many others, the Frenchman was full of praise for newcomer Gideon Baah.

“It’s never easy, but even more so for a centerback in our system with the way that we play,” Perrinelle added. “It’s very different than what other teams ask of their centerbacks, but I thought Gideon played very well in his first game. Alongside Ronald [Zubar], I think they put together a very good performance against [Sebastian] Giovinco and Toronto. Unfortunately, Toronto scored two goals, but you can have nothing bad to say about the backline.”

For as valuable as his analysis can be, both teammates and fans alike are anxious to see his return to the pitch. Admittedly, he still has a good deal of work ahead of him, but the 32-year-old continues to make progress and is nearing full fitness with each passing day.

“I’m now three months and one week out from surgery, and I started to run two weeks ago,” he said. “Day-by-day, the knee is getting better; it’s reacting really well. I’m just going step-by-step."