Sporting Kansas City still awaiting return of defender Seth Sinovic from concussion

After absorbing the brunt of a head-to-head collision during a May 9 match, Sporting Kansas City defender Seth Sinovic required a few stitches above his left eye to repair the damage. But he considered the matter just that — repaired.

More than two months later, he’s yet to return to the field. Sinovic has been sidelined while battling lingering effects of a concussion.

He may be on the way back. Finally. Sinovic returned to practice this week in a limited capacity.

“I’m just taking it slow and making sure I’m not trying to rush myself into anything, but so far, so good,” Sinovic said. “I’m slowly getting integrated (into practice) a little bit more, so it feels good to be back out there.”

Sinovic says exercising doesn’t produce much of a problem — until hours later. In addition to headaches, he has difficulty focusing his vision. Those issues, however, haven’t appeared for more than a week, he said, allowing him to amp up his practice schedule.

But there remains no timetable for his return.

Sinovic appeared in 92 matches over the previous three seasons.

“It’s been pretty miserable, to be honest with you,” Sinovic said. “It’s been mentally taxing. I try to help out in other ways — just talking to the guys as much as I can and trying to stay involved — but unfortunately, you’re taking a back seat a little bit when you’re on the sidelines.”

▪ Sporting KC defender Ike Opara says he hopes to return from a ruptured Achilles tendon injury before the end of the season.

Opara will test the injury next month when he begins running drills.

He started the first six matches — and scored two goals — before suffering the injury on April 11.

This story was originally published July 22, 2015 at 7:22 PM with the headline "Sporting Kansas City still awaiting return of defender Seth Sinovic from concussion."