During Saturday nights match against New York City FC, something happened that fans fear the most with playoffs around the corner. Fire´s midfielder Michael de Leeuw left the match in the 30th minute due to a knee to knee collision, which later was found to be a torn ACL. The same night where we saw David Accam (who was subbed in for de Leeuw) and Bastian Schweinsteiger in action again. Michael de Leeuw has been the key to Pauno’s attack. With 3 goals and 8 assists in 30 matches, Michael de Leeuw has found himself to be Pauno’s number one. At this time where there’s only 2 season games left, fear is in many worried fans since Chicago has been clinching on to the playoffs since 2012. The 30-year-old dutch midfielder doesn’t appear as he will return this year, with his injury not looking good to the Fire’s staff. Veljko Paunovic has many that can be placed as the number 8 role especially with Bastian Schweinsteiger making his return. However, for Pauno to replace a player with de Leeuw’s skills and mentality, will be tough to find.

Chicago Fire fans will be hoping that Michael de Leeuw has a speedy recover.