Jermain Defoe still on Toronto FC schedule, despite rumours

Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe takes part in practice in Vancouver on Tuesday, May 13, 2014. (Jonathan Hayward / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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TORONTO - Toronto FC manager Greg Vanney says star striker Jermain Defoe is on schedule to be back later this week and has targeted a game to make his return.

Defoe has been back in England nursing a groin injury amidst reports that he wants to leave Toronto and return to English soccer.

Vanney reiterated that the 31-year-old Defoe is expected back at the club on Saturday. But he did not specify which game might see Defoe's comeback.

Toronto (9-11-7) has seven games left in the MLS regular season, starting Sunday with the visit of Western Conference cellar-dweller Chivas USA.

Chivas (6-16-6) has lost its last five games while Toronto is winless (0-3-2) in its last five.

Captain Steven Caldwell and midfielder Jonathan Osorio both trained Tuesday and could be available for the weekend. Midfielder Collen Warner missed training with a mild hamstring issue.