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Vytas helped the Portland Timbers defeat the Seattle Sounders, 4-2, in an MLS game on Sunday, August 28 at Providence Park in Portland. Pete Christopher/Staff

(Pete Christopher)

Portland Timbers left back Vytas (calf strain) and captain Liam Ridgewell (foot sprain) have taken steps forward as they continue to work their way back from injuries.

Vytas returned to training at the end of last week and is continuing to work his way back to full fitness, while Ridgewell spent Tuesday morning working with a trainer on the side of the field and is expected to rejoin training next week.

Both players have missed four-straight games due to the injuries.

Timbers coach Caleb Porter said that it is possible that Vytas could be ready to go in time for Saturday's road game against the Philadelphia Union, depending on how his fitness progresses this week.

"It's just a matter of fitness at this stage with him," Porter said.

But even if Vytas is ready to play Saturday, Porter said he will have a tough lineup decision to make.

Marco Farfan has started two games in place of Vytas and is coming off a tremendous performance against the New England Revolution Sunday. The 18-year-old left back was named to the MLS Team of the Week for his performance against New England.

"Obviously, with injuries come opportunity and Marco has done well with the two games he has played," Porter said. "He has got an unbelievable mentality. This kid doesn't look like he's 18 with his presence, his calmness. That's something you can't teach. That's a big part of being good and a big part of learning, just what's between the ears. He's got that and he's also got the technical ability."

While Vytas could be ready to go Saturday, Porter said Ridgewell will likely need at least another week of recovery before he is ready to return to the lineup.

"He's slated to be back in training next week," Porter said. "We're hoping he's back in training next week and then, similar to Vytas, once a guy is back in and healthy, you still got to make sure they're match fit."

-- Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com

503-853-3761 | @jamiebgoldberg