Drogba out for 401 Derby due to reported 'conflict' with Impact

The Montreal Impact will be without star striker Didier Drogba for the 401 Derby against bitter rival Toronto FC, with the Impact citing a "stiff back" as the reason for his absence.

There are indications, however, that Drogba's absence could be the result of deeper issues with the organization, as Taylor Twellman reports:

Though the nature of this potential conflict is not yet clear, Drogba's return to Montreal this season already came in controversial fashion as reports emerged that he could possibly return to Chelsea in a coaching role.

Instead, Drogba returned to Montreal and endured a stop-star season hampered by injuries and turf-related absences. Still, he managed to score 10 goals and record six assists in 22 appearances.

Montreal has yet to clinch a playoff berth and will look to do so with a win over Toronto, but that task is made tougher without Drogba in the 18-man gameday squad.

In his stead, the Impact opted to start Italian forward Matteo Mancosu up top, joined by Ignacio Piatti and Dominic Oduro on either flank.