Minnesota United midfielder Johan Venegas (11) took the ball towards the Real Salt Lake goal in the first half. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Well, that was a short absence. Minnesota United's heart hardly had the time to grow fonder.

Midfielder Johan Venegas, whom coach Adrian Heath told to "stay away" from practice Wednesday and "clear his head," was back practicing with the Loons Thursday at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus.

"He came in to see me yesterday afternoon and had a chat, sat down with his teammates and apologized this morning. We move on," coach Adrian Heath said after training Thursday. "You know, we had a few days where frustration probably got the better of him, didn't train the way that we want. And it was nice to see him back out there, and the fact that he came and wanted to solve the situation."

Heath said there was not a specific incident or boiling over point that led to the one-day hiatus.

"I think it's just frustration build up, and he's not been happy about the way he's played, and I thought that manifested itself in his training," Heath said. "And the one thing that we talk about all the time with the lads is, only two things: You're either in or you're out. And if you're in, you come in and train really well every single day, and he didn't. And we addressed that.

"But it's all forgotten now. He starts a clean slate with everybody. And he's coming in and working hard."

Heath said he did notice a bit of a difference in Venegas' training Thursday after the break, saying the former starter "got a few things off his chest as well, which will probably do him good."

The coach added he has told players to take a day off in the past because of their attitude, but every club has different expectations. For him, he puts a lot of importance on the daily training each week and expects players to give their maximum each session.

As for if Venegas will travel this weekend when United faces a tough road test at Toronto FC 2 p.m. Saturday, Heath hasn't made up his mind yet.

"We'll wait and see tomorrow."

Venegas was not made available for comment.

Also, starting left-back Marc Burch was back at training after missing the previous days of training this week. He's trying to keep "as fresh as possible," according to Heath, while managing a lingering groin injury.