It seems the only thing that can slow David Accam’s on-field production of late are injuries.
The Chicago Fire Designated Player scored two goals, added an assist and generally wreaked havoc on opposing defenses in the first two weeks of the 2016 MLS season, and there was hope that he would carry that momentum into a home test against rival Columbus Crew SC on Saturday.
But it was not to be, as Accam was sidelined for the match due to a left knee sprain. The Ghanaian winger had scored twice in three previous appearances against Columbus.
“David is very important for us,” Paunovic said after the 0-0 draw when asked if his tactics were affected by Accam’s absence. “Obviously he is quality in the counterattack with his speed and his talent is very important for us. Without him, we didn’t change, we played the same system, the only thing is we played against a very, very good team and this is what you have to understand.”
Earlier in the week, Accam was once again called into the Ghanaian National Team as it heads into a pair of qualifying matches for the 2017 African Cup of Nations. Accam has stressed many times the importance he places on representing the Black Stars, but Paunovic reported after Saturday’s match that the injury would keep Accam from international action.
“He is healing and will miss his international call with Ghana which is, for everyone, something very important,” Paunovic said. “But I think the most important thing is his health and we believe that now he has to stay and the medical staff will work on him and recover.”
Given the upcoming break from MLS competition, the Fire are anticipating a return to match action for Accam in the club's next outing, a home date on Saturday, April 2 vs. Philadelphia Union (4 p.m. CT, CSN Chicago). There’s little denying the influence Accam is capable of having on that or any match for the Men In Red:
