Report: Jermain Defoe expected to be out until end of September

After returning from a groin injury in Toronto FC's 2-2 home draw against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, Jermain Defoe is returning to the sidelines.

This time around, Defoe is suffering from a right adductor strain.

"He's seeing a specialist at the moment, so fingers crossed that it'll be short term, but we probably have to plan for a longer-term [absence]," manager Ryan Nelsen said in a post on the team's website.

The injury is a massive blow to TFC's playoff push as the final stretch of the MLS season begins. As it stands, the club sits third in the Eastern Conference, 10 points behind D.C. United and with two games in hand. While that's a reasonably comfortable position, especially by TFC standards, the New England Revolution, who are currently out of a playoff spot, sit only three points behind.

With Defoe confined to the bench once again, Gilberto will need to continue his recent form in front of goal. The Brazilian striker has scored in TFC's last three matches.