Toronto FC will be in tough when they take on the New England Revolution on Saturday night (7:30 PM ET, Sportsnet 360) at Gillette Stadium.

The Reds will be without captain Michael Bradley, who is out seven to 10 days with a calf strain. Collen Warner will miss the match after being suspended one match for yellow card accumulation. Sebastian Giovinco travelled to Denver but didn’t participate in the All-Star game as he continues to deal with a heel bruise. Ashtone Morgan remains questionable with an Adductor Strain.

Simply put, the Reds will begin August much like they started July. A handful of regulars will be absent from the lineup, but strong play from Marky Delgado, Jackson and Daniel Lovitz will provide solace for Greg Vanney and the coaching staff. Even if they’re shorthanded, points can be taken against the Revolution in what will be the fifth last road game for Toronto this season.

Here are three keys to Saturday night’s match .

Holding On Without The Skipper

Michael Bradley’s return from Gold Cup duty was anxiously anticipated by TFC fans waiting to see their captain back in Red. Unfortunately, that return is delayed at least one more week after the 27-year-old was diagnosed with a calf strain on Wednesday.

Bradley’s injury means Marky Delgado will get another chance to impress in the attacking midfield role usually occupied by Bradley.

TFC played in a 3-5-2 formation last weekend in Columbus, but Vanney is expected to revert to his customary 4-4-2 look with a midfield diamond. With Warner also out, Jonathan Osorio and Jackson are likely to start in the outside positions with Benoit Cheyrou in the defensive midfielder role.

For about a month the Reds have managed to soldier on without Bradley in the mix. They have proven it can be done and Delgado is a big reason why. Against a Revolution side that is slowly emerging from a crippling six game losing streak, he’ll get another chance to a shine in a position still relatively new to the 20-year-old.

Kantari Time?

Communication has been lacking for the Reds.

That’s one reason why the defence has struggled in recent weeks, according to Greg Vanney.

“We need a voice, somebody to take on that responsibility,” he said earlier this week. The coaching staff is hoping Ahmed Kantari can be that voice. The pairing of Kantari and Damien Perquis works on multiple levels, but the language connection might be the biggest factor.

“He knows the game very well, reads the game well and he’s been a captain of many of his teams,” Vanney continued. “He communicates in multiple languages, which has been good in helping him integrate with the team.”

Kantari has received his international transfer certificate and is eligible for Saturday’s match. He’s still new to the club and yet to completely settle in, but all signs are pointing to a TFC debut in New England for the Moroccan international.

The Return Of Jermaine Jones

The Revolution are back on track after losing six straight games. First they defeated NYCFC 1-0 on July 18 and last week Kelyn Rowe’s goal in the 77th minute salvaged a point against the Chicago Fire.

Jermaine Jones was on the bench in Chicago and could make his first start in nearly two months. Jones missed eight games after having bilateral sports hernia surgery in June.

“Last week we made a really good step forward and we want to continue that,” Revolution head coach Jay Heaps said.

“With him being on the bench, the minutes were going to be extremely limited. Now (the question is) can we get more out of him in training so that it’s not nearly as limited come this Saturday?”

Jones’ return will give the Revs a much needed boost heading into the stretch run of the season.

“You definitely feel his presence when he’s on the field,” forward Charlie Davies said. “There’s definitely a boost in the locker room. I think he’ll be coming back at the right time, just like last year.”

The Revs play only three times in August, making Saturday’s contest a crucial game for them in the parity stricken Eastern Conference.