Mbekezeli Mbokazi may return to action sooner than expected for Chicago Fire after fears he will be out for longer

Gregg Berhalter has indicated that defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi may return to the field sooner than expected after an injury lay-off which looked severe than what it was.

Berhalter also alluded to the fact that he may have given a ‘premature’ update when he said Mbokazi is ruled out for the year.

"I think the information I have given on Mbokazi that he’s definitely out for this season was premature,” Berhalter said after their 1-1 stalemate against New York Red Bull at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Sunday.

"He’s in a rehab program at the moment and he is progressing and showing positive signs.

“There’s no exact time-frame when he’s going to come back, but there’s a possibility it’s before the end of the season.”