Injury Update: Idan Toklomati Close to Making His Comeback

By Andrew Crowell

Photo Courtesy of CJ Hellner/Topbin90

Rising Charlotte FC starlet Idan Toklomati has recently been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Dean Smith provided the update during a press conference on May 27, stating that the issue was “tendon-related.”

The gaffer also stated that the hope is that the young forward will be available to return for the next match against the Philadelphia Union on June 14th.

Most injuries to the hamstring occur at the proximal hamstring (closer to the hip) rather than the distal hamstring (closer to the knee). The involvement of the tendon in this hamstring injury is likely the tendon located near the hip, which attaches to the ischial tuberosity of the hip. Similar to other soft tissue and muscular injuries, a grading system exists for severity. Grade 1 injuries involve a minor pull or strain, grade 2 injuries involve a partial tear of the muscle/tendon, and grade 3 injuries involve a complete tear of the muscle/tendon. Based on the context provided by Dean Smith and the estimated return time, Toklomati is likely dealing with a grade 1 hamstring tendon injury, which typically results in a 2-3 week absence.

The decreased downtime associated with a grade 1 injury will be to the squad’s benefit as the 20-year-old Israeli has made a significant impact when he comes off the bench for the Crown. According to FBref, in his past five games, he has averaged 21.6 minutes per game while maintaining a pass completion rate of 82% and an expected goals-generated stat of 1.0xG in just 108 total minutes played. For comparison, Patrick Agyemang, who Toklomati often replaces off the bench, has generated 2.4 xG in the last five games with 382 minutes played.

While Agyemang is the better finisher, Toklomati provides a little more distributive ability to the striker role and has been missed coming off the bench for Charlotte’s leading goalscorer this season, Agyemang.

Recently, the team has also seen Souleyman Doumbia, who missed six weeks with a hamstring injury of his own, rejoin the lineup as well.

Toklomati will join Doumbia in building fitness in training before the upcoming match against the Union.