WebFi Loons’ leading scorer Bongi Hlongwane in line for return vs. New England – Twin Cities

Minnesota United’s attacking pieces are going through a revolving door — and just in the nick of time.

Striker Teemu Pukki has joined the Finland national team for the next week and will miss the Loons’ game against New England on Saturday. Meanwhile, winger Bongi Hlongwane returned to full training Tuesday, setting up a return from a knee injury this weekend.

“Hopefully he has no reaction to the work he’s done (Tuesday) morning, and we will build him up this week,” manager Adrian Heath said.

Hlongwane leads the Loons with 15 goals in all competitions, but hasn’t played in three straight games since exiting after a collision with a New York City player on Aug. 20.

“He has played an awful lot of football,” Heath said. “It’s not like two weeks is going to really curtail his fitness. We are hopeful he comes through (Tuesday), and if he does, he should be available for weekend.”

Pukki’s brief absence comes after he has scored a goal in each of the past two games, snapping a 729-minute scoring drought since July 12.

With Pukki away, Mender Garcia is the most likely player to step up into the No. 9 role. Sang Bin Jeong might have been an alternative candidate for that spot, but South Korea called him into its under-22 national team this window.

“Mender has worked really hard and done well when he’s come on,” Heath said. “… Chances are it’s going to be Mender (starting vs. the Revolution). Then it’s up to him, like it always is. I always say to the players, when your opportunity comes, you have to take it. And if you do, you have got to hope the manager keeps his word and keeps you in the team.”

The Loons will be without three players this weekend because of national-team duties, a trio rounded out by Joseph Rosales (Honduras). New England will be without two — midfielder Noel Buck (England Under-19) and defender Christian Makoun (Venezuela).