Ayo Akinola back in the fold for Toronto FC after arduous recovery process

The waiting has been the worst part for Ayo Akinola.

The young forward’s promising career has been put on hold for the past nine months due to a season-ending knee injury suffered last summer while on international duty for Canada. But after undergoing surgery, a lengthy rehab process and having to learn how to run again, he’s ready to head back onto the pitch for Toronto FC and make up for lost time.

Toronto is slated to host the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, and then travels to play New York City FC next Sunday before closing out the month at home against FC Cincinnati on April 30. Akinola revealed to TFC Republic that he’ll make his long-awaited return in one of those three matches.

“Either the Philly game coming up this weekend, the Cincinnati game or the NYCFC game. One of these three games in April. But for sure in April. For sure in April, just to be incorporated into the team and back in the roster. One of those three games,” Akinola told TFC Republic in a one-on-one interview this week.