2012 MLS Playoffs: Dwayne De Rosario upgraded, might return this season

D.C. United's quest for a fifth MLS Cup received a boost Friday evening when the team announced that reigning MLS MVP Dwayne De Rosario's injury status had been upgraded to questionable from out, raising the chances that the Canadian international might play later in the playoffs should D.C. United advance past the New York Red Bulls in the two-legged Eastern Conference semifinal.

De Rosario sprained the MCL in his left knee on September 11 while playing for Canada against Panama in a World Cup qualifying match. At the time of the injury, it was believed that De Rosario would miss 10 to 12 weeks. That timetable would have ruled De Rosario out for the remainder of the season. This coming Tuesday would mark eight weeks since he sustained the original injury.

However, De Rosario had intensified his regimen during the team's training sessions in the run-up to Saturday's first leg against New York. The Washington Examiner's Craig Stouffer put it thus:

Last year's league MVP has steadily increased his workload in training, from light running to joining in some training drills to even participating in shooting practice. On Friday he was taking part in a small sided game with D.C. United's reserves.

If D.C. United can get past New York, they would advance to a two-legged conference final match-up, which would begin a week from Saturday. The first leg of their tie against New York takes place Saturday at RFK Stadium. Kick-off is set for shortly after 8 p.m.