Drogba will miss season-opener for Montreal Impact because of knee issues

MONTREAL – Impact striker Didier Drogba will miss Sunday’s regular-season opener against the Vancouver Whitecaps because of ongoing knee problems linked to artificial turf.

READ MORE: Drogba joins Impact camp after training in Qatar

Drogba is also expected to be out for the Impact’s first home game on March 12.

The former Chelsea forward insists he is committed to playing for the Impact despite suggestions his heart is still with the Premier League team.

READ MORE: Striker Drogba will return to Impact; heads to Qatar to prepare for season

He held a news conference Thursday to say he plans to be with Montreal until the end of the season.

WATCH: Montreal Impact holds on to striker Didier Drogba.

0:53 Montreal Impact camp starts

Earlier, Impact technical director Adam Braz said he is targeting Drogba’s return for the game against Dallas on March 19.

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READ MORE: Impact relieved Drogba will be back after pondering return to Chelsea

Drogba is looking for a place to train on natural grass over the next few weeks.