COMMERCE CITY — Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard on Tuesday said he’s close to a return to the lineup and did not rule out the possibility of suiting up Saturday against the New York Red Bulls.

“It’s good, I feel good. I feel like I’m close,” Howard said. “Tomorrow is 16 weeks (since surgery), and then I’m going to close that chapter, hopefully.”

Rapids coach Pablo Mastroeni said Howard on Sunday played in a simulated 90-minute match with goalkeepers coach Chris Sharpe, mimicking the movements he would face in a live game.

“He got through that pretty good,” Mastroeni said. “Did some long kicking and so he’s in a good spot right now. Again, it’s just day-to-day and seeing how he feels.”

Asked directly if he was ruled out for Saturday’s match, Howard said he didn’t know and was taking it day-by-day. Howard has not played in a match since a season-ending groin injury in November while playing for the U.S. against Mexico in a World Cup qualifier.

Mastroeni said a meeting was planned Tuesday with Howard, Sharpe and medical staff to discuss the U.S. national team goalkeeper’s progress. Related Articles March 4, 2017 Dillon Serna makes his return from ACL injury in Rapids season-opening win

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“He’s been training now for a good 10 days, two weeks, full stop and it’s just making sure that the workload on Sunday has no residual effect,” Mastroeni said. “He’s been there and done that at all different levels. Once he feels 100 percent good about his body, that’s the most important thing to get him integrated back into the group.”

Howard’s return could also have implications for the U.S. national team, which takes on Honduras in San Jose, Calif., on March 24. Howard, who turned 38 Monday, said he has been in communication with coach Bruce Arena, but did not reveal details of their conversations.

“That’s something you’re going to have to ask Bruce Arena,” Howard said.

Gashi progressing. Shkëlzen Gashi, the Rapids’ leading goal scorer last season, was a full participant in training Tuesday and is moving closer to a return to action after dealing with a sore Achilles in preseason.

“He’s doing a good job getting in some work without a lot of inflammation,” Mastroeni said. “It’s real day-to-day and making sure that we’re not putting too much on him. I’d like to integrate him here with the group sooner than later.”

Mastroeni said there was a “good chance” the 28-year-old Albanian would be available Saturday in Harrison, N.J.

Footnotes. Rapids sporting director Padraig Smith said the team plans to send fullback Dennis Castillo on loan to their USL affiliate Charlotte Independence, where he can get minutes and continue his development. … The Rapids are expected to sign third-round draft pick Jaime Siaj, who continues to train with the team, according to a league source. Siaj is expected to go on loan in Charlotte. … Striker Kevin Doyle left training early because he was not feeling well. … Former Rapids striker Deshorn Brown on Tuesday signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the second-division United Soccer League (USL).

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