'We're running different tests': Tiago Coimbra misses Forge FC match due to injury
Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar gave an update on attacker Tiago Coimbra's status ahead of the club's 1-0 loss to Forge FC, telling media the club was continuing to monitor the player's fitness. Ultimately, the 21-year striker was unavailable on matchday due to injury.
"We're hopeful he'll be available (for Forge) but we're running different tests. What we've got to keep in mind is there's short-term versus the long-term. If he returns back too quick, what could happen?" Gheisar told media on September 5.
"We still need him because he's a big part of our attack."
Coimbra, who is second in the Golden Boot race with 11 goals, appeared to suffer a lower-body injury on September 1 versus York United FC. He attempted to play through the injury but was substituted in the 19th minute.
Gheisar noted following Halifax's 4-0 victory over the Nine Stripes that Coimbra was walking unassisted and seemed "okay."
Coimbra is in the midst of a breakout season. The Brazilian-Canadian has been a core piece of the Wanderers' attack with 14 goal contributions. He's also played 1,117 minutes this season, eclipsing his previous record of 917 in his rookie campaign.
But this isn't the first time Coimbra has been injured: he battled hamstring and other muscle injuries during much of his first two seasons. He also suffered a minor injury earlier this season which forced Gheisar and the coaching staff to ease him into the starting XI.
Halifax's head of performance, Nick Edwards, has been a key piece in helping to keep Coimbra and the Wanderers' healthy this season.
“I think in my professional career, my biggest problem is staying healthy. Just staying healthy and not pulling my hamstring or hurting myself, which is something the club has changed this year. They brought in Nick from Nottingham Forest and I’ve come in and I’ve seen many changes from the club," Coimbra said in pre-season.
"He's already set up my plan for the next six months, for the next two weeks. I feel like for me to become an important player for this team or for me to take the next step in my career, I just need to stay healthy. I can say I feel perfectly fine but my body may act in a different way. Right now, I'm listening to Nick and doing what he's telling me to do."
It's remains to be seen if Coimbra will play versus Cavalry FC this coming weekend.
Cover Photo Credit: Trevor MacMillan / Halifax Wanderers FC
