Vieira hopeful Pirlo can return to training by week's end

New York City FC midfielder Andrea Pirlo missed the first leg of his side's Eastern Conference semifinal clash against Toronto FC with a calf injury, and head coach Patrick Vieira is hoping the Italian makes a quick recovery ahead of the second leg on Sunday.

Pirlo has been an instrumental figure in the Pidgeons' midfield, starting 32 matches in 2016 and recording 11 assists. Facing a two-goal deficit, Vieira hopes Pirlo can return in time to orchestrate a come-from-behind victory.

"I had a conversation with him this morning," NYCFC coach Patrick Vieira said Wednesday, according to MLSsoccer.com's Dylan Butler. "He's doing some work inside and he should do some more work on the field tomorrow. Hopefully if we follow the program well, he should be training with the team before the end of the week."

Vieira added that Pirlo underwent scans that showed "there is something (concerning an injury) there" but added "we just have to keep working on him and see how he's going to progress day after day."

While the Italian isn't a lock to feature, fellow star midfielder Frank Lampard - who came off the bench in the second half at BMO Field - says he feels "really good," adding: "I'm fit. I've been fit for a few weeks now and I'm raring to go."