Didier Drogba to train in Sacramento while recovering from swollen knee

The Montreal Impact announced Monday star forward Didier Drogba will spend the new few weeks training with the Sacramento Republic as he deals with swelling in his left knee.

Should he recover as expected, Drogba would be made available for the Impact's third game of the season against the Chicago Fire on March 19.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to host someone with the pedigree of Didier Drogba," Republic director Graham Smith said in a statement. "He is a world-class player. For our players to see a master craftsman at close quarters is invaluable. We are pleased to be able to assist a club such as Montreal Impact of MLS and do our best to ensure Drogba is welcomed into the city."

Drogba was set for a spell in Miami off the top of the 2016 MLS season in an effort to avoid an upcoming series of matches on artificial turf surfaces, but the Impact have now set up an arrangement with Sacramento in the USL instead.