Minnesota United opens its season Saturday at FC Dallas with suspended All-Star midfielder Emanuel Reynoso out of sight, but apparently not out of mind.
Still home in Argentina, Reynoso sent a text to his teammates on Thursday, coach Adrian Heath said.
"He put a text out there yesterday wishing the guys all the best in Texas, so he's obviously keeping his eyes on it," Heath told reporters Friday. "I'm still very hopeful that we can get him back pretty soon."
Heath has called himself hopeful that Reynoso will arrive soon since the Loons started preseason training in early January. Two weeks ago, MLS suspended Reynoso without pay until he reports to the club.
The Loons have said Reynoso's absence is due to personal matters.
On Thursday, Heath told the Star Tribune, "He's going through one or two issues that he wants to deal with. We need to concentrate now with the group that we have, but we are hopeful. … This situation is not over."
Earlier, Heath was asked if he thinks Reynoso still wants to be in Minnesota and MLS.
"I know he wants to be here," Heath said firmly.