There is a flicker of brightness to Pacific FC’s injury-stricken soccer season in the Canadian Premier League.

Forward Marcus Haber’s return to the roster couldn’t come at a more opportune time, especially with five-goal forward Victor Blasco likely out with a foot injury.

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From capital city to capital city, PFC meets FC Edmonton today at Clarke Stadium, with 27-time Canada capped Haber drawing back in after seven weeks sidelined an injured right knee.

“I did a lot of hard work to get back, with a lot of credit going to Randy Celebrini [PFC’s director of sports science],” said Haber.

Haber said it was a field-impact injury, not through a player collision, which occurred during a game on June 20.

“The knee feels strong and stable,” said the 30-year-old, who has missed nine games this season.

But injuries take more than just a physical toll.

“You have to be mentally strong as well when you are out so long,” said Haber, who has two goals in eight games played for PFC.

The return of the six-foot-four former Scottish Premiership pro again gives PFC that imposing figure in the opposition box.

“Marcus provides us with a big target and he has worked hard to get back to health and into the lineup,” said Pacific FC head coach Michael Silberbauer.

Haber and 56-time Canada capped former Bundesliga and MLS pro Marcel de Jong were signed as veteran influences to stabilize a young PFC roster. Yet, not only has Haber spent more than half the season on the bench due to injury, but de Jong went down in training camp with a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon.

Haber said he takes his mentorship role seriously and it didn’t stop just because he’s been injured.

“I’ve been able to see a lot more from the sidelines and I’ve been speaking to our younger players,” he said.

Haber’s forte is offence, something that has not been an issue for PFC with breakout 20-year-old striker Terran Campbell on seven goals, and tied atop the CPL Golden Boot goals race with Tristan Borges of Forge FC, and Blasco in a three-way tie for third place in the league with five goals.

“We have enough firepower to win games,” said Haber.

“We need to be more balanced, however, and not concede goals.”

Silberbauer concurred.

“We have been creating chances,” said the PFC bench boss.

“What we need to see as we grow is a more complete game and to be better overall defensively.”

Pacific FC (1-3-1 in the fall season and 3-5-2 in spring) lost its first three games of the fall season but has since beaten Halifax 3-1 at Westhills Stadium and then led in Winnipeg before a goal in injury time salvaged a 2-2 draw for host Valour FC.

FC Edmonton (2-1-2 and 4-4-2), meanwhile, has turned it around from the spring season and the Eddies are undefeated in their last three home games, earning a win against Halifax and points against Forge FC of Hamilton and Valour FC.

“This is one of the shortest road trips we have . . . we’ll take it,” said Silberbauer.

cdheensaw@timescolonist.com