Impact's Drogba could play in Eastern Conference semifinal

Didier Drogba could yet have a say in the Montreal Impact's playoff run.

The real reason behind the 38-year-old's omission from Mauro Biello's squad is unclear, but he was in attendance at RFK Stadium on Thursday to witness the Impact's 4-2 win over D.C. United.

The victory booked an Eastern Conference semifinal tilt with New York Red Bulls, and with it a chance to see Drogba in uniform.

Biello has insisted in recent days that Drogba's missed training because of a back injury, but local reports suggested his initial absence was due to a conflict in the dressing room. The former Chelsea striker refused to accept a substitute's role towards the end of the regular season.

Drogba may now have an opportunity to show he's still a part of the team.

"I spoke to (Didier) the other day and we talked about this game. Because he didn't train much this week it would've been difficult, but that the game for Sunday could be more realistic for him," Biello told Pablo Maurer of MLSSoccer.com.

"If he's healthy, he will be available for me."

The Impact first host the Red Bulls on Sunday, then travel to New Jersey for the second leg on Nov. 6.