Montreal

Didier Drogba reportedly doesn't travel with Impact for playoff match

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:34 p.m. ET

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Alex Dowd

Didier Drogba's soap opera with the Montreal Impact has taken another turn, as the Ivorian striker reportedly hasn't traveled with the team for their MLS Cup playoff match. Drogba didn't practice at all this week, with Impact coach Mauro Biello saying the chances the 38-year-old would play against D.C. United were "minimal."

That minimal chance appears to have dropped to impossible, as reports confirm that Drogba hasn't traveled with the team to D.C. for the playoff.

This news wasn't entirely unexpected, given the on-going drama between the club and the player. After Drogba refused to dress for a match because he wasn't starting, everything came to a head. But it looked like both sides had reached an amicable understanding. At least, until now.

Drogba might actually be hurt, but it seems like he's just more of a distraction at this point. Odds are that Biello again said Drogba wouldn't start, especially since he didn't train all week. Given Drogba's reluctance to sit on the bench it makes sense to just leave him at home.

The Ivorian still has something to offer the Impact, but he's not as irreplaceable as he once was. Matteo Mancosu has slotted in as the team's starting striker and is in too good of form to ride the pine. Drogba's contract runs out once the Impact's season is over, which, incidentally, could be after the match against D.C. United.

If the Impact advance, it remains to be seen how Drogba and the club would proceed. Either way, it's looking like the saga is far from resolved.

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