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“I don’t think there’s desperation,” TFC coach Greg Vanney reassured the Toronto Sun. “I’d call it urgency.”

Blaming injuries is reassuring until you consider some of TFC’s important players are expected to remain shelved for the next two weeks or longer.

All told, the Reds have suffered an astonishing 51 man-games lost — through injury or fatigue — between 10 players who were among Vanney’s top minute-earners during the club’s MLS Cup run.

“I didn’t realize it was that number,” Vanney answered. “Do people understand how much (injuries) have hurt us? If they’re not talking about it then they don’t understand. When we have our core group plus four together our results speak for themselves.”

Toronto FC’s Champions League run showed how good this team can be when it’s healthy. But three weeks ago seems forever ago.

Best XI fullback Justin Morrow has missed eight of nine league games. Jozy Altidore has missed two-thirds of league starts. The club’s pure centrebacks — Eriq Zavaleta, Drew Moor, Chris Mavinga and Nick Hagglund — already have combined for 27 man-games lost.

“I do firmly believe when we get guys back we’re fully capable of going on runs and building momentum and getting points,” Vanney added. “There are still 75 points out there to be had. A big part of us is to get healthy and get guys back in their typical roles.”

Toronto FC’s current injury crisis was made worse last weekend after Sebastian Giovinco was sent off in a 3-2 loss to New England after putting hands to an opponent’s face.

This after Vanney’s stated intention was to rest Giovinco, Victor Vazquez and Mavinga in preparation for Friday night’s suddenly crucial home date with Orlando City.

“It was a moment of frustration and losing focus,” Vanney said of the Atomic Ant’s moment of madness. “I don’t think Seba thought he’d get a red card.

“But the rules are written in our league,” he added. “Getting sent off at a time we don’t have Jozy is a situation we didn’t need. He recognizes that.”

It’s not hyperbolic to say Toronto FC’s playoff fate could be decided by Canada Day. While it’s early in the season, a hellish July schedule — the Reds play five of six on the road between July 1 and Aug. 4, including stops in Kansas City, Orlando and Atlanta — might be too much to overcome if Toronto FC doesn’t start collecting points before the summer months.