One bright spot in Toronto FC’s difficult start to 2012 has been the play of winger Nick Soolsma.



Unfortunately, like last week against Chivas USA, the Reds will have to do without the Dutchman’s services on Saturday versus Chicago Fire at BMO Field (TSN 2, 3:30 p.m. ET).



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Video: Nick Soolsma on his injury after training Thursday.

“I’m feeling better,” Soolsma told Toronto FC TV on Thursday when asked about his sore hamstring after training. “It’s getting better … but Saturday is too early.”



Soolsma said the injury came unexpected but the good news – and the beleaguered club could use some – is that the Reds will have more bodies back from the infirmary this weekend after some challenges with depth in the opening weeks of this winless MLS season.



“Everybody looks fresh and fit, only I’m injured. The rest of the guys are ready for Saturday.”



One of the returning figures that could prove pivotal in his comeback is midfielder Torsten Frings. The Toronto captain has been sidelined since the opening half of the team’s first 2012 MLS match in Seattle with a hamstring injury of his own.



Frings missed both legs of the Champions League semifinal against Santos Laguna and four additional MLS games, five losses and one draw in that stretch.



This will be the second straight week that Toronto gets a player back from the sick bay. Last Saturday centre back Adrian Cann returned after successful rehabilitation from an ACL tear and played 90 minutes.



Also available for selection is defender Logan Emory who served a one-game suspension last week.



Though temporarily hamstrung, Soolsma doesn’t expect to miss as many games as Frings.



“The (physiotherapist) said one more week. I’m looking forward to being fit again.”



In his absence Soolsma has tipped his teammates to end Toronto’s miserable slump.



“It’s disappointing that I can’t help at the moment, but I’m confident for Saturday that the team can get the first three points.”



On The Radio



Soolsma will be Nigel Reed’s guest on The Soccer Show Thursday night. Check Sportsnet 590 The FAN for listing details.



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