Minnesota United's Ramon Abila, Emanuel Reynoso on the mend; help from France, Argentina on the way

Recently signed striker Ramon Abila is here. French first-division forward Adrien Hunou is on the way.

And on Friday, Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath said his club has made a deal for Argentine left-side attacker Franco Fragapane.

Heath called "everything done and officially signed," but said the club is waiting for immigration paperwork to be finalized.

"As soon as it comes through and he can travel, he'll be on the next plane," Heath said.

Meanwhile, Fragapane continues to play with his Talleres team from Loons star Emanuel Reynoso's hometown of Cordoba.

Heath said Loons technical director Mark Watson was with Hunou in Paris on Friday, waiting for paperwork as well while he trains as guided by his new team.

Fragapane continues to play well as he nears his season's end. Hunou was almost done with his as well. Heath said he expects both players to "hit the ground running" when they arrive.

"When that is, remains to be seen," Heath said. "We're hopeful sooner rather than later. We think we're not far away."

Heath said Abila moved "a lot better" in training this week after working with a chiropractor on his body and expects him to be available for Saturday night's game at Colorado. He made his first MLS start in last week's 1-0 home loss to Austin F.C. and played 58 minutes before Foster Langsdorf replaced him.

Reynoso, too, played the first 58 minutes against Austin before he was subbed out because of a calf injury that limited him in training the week before. Heath said he expects Reynoso to be available Saturday.

"He has had a good week training," Heath said. "We had a really good, hard week's training. Rey has come through that, barring any waking up tomorrow feeling anything from what we've done today."

Midfielders Robin Lod and Niko Hansen as well as defender Bakaye Dibassy all trained on grass this week to what Heath called "varying degrees" of intensity. Hansen and Dibassy — both of whom haven't played yet this season — are both listed by the Loons as out because of thigh injuries. Lod, who missed last week's game because of a chest injury, is listed as questionable.

Heath called Lod "a lot closer than the other two." He said Dibassy has progressed to training on grass, but is "probably still a bit away."

After Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz eased COVID restrictions on Thursday, Heath said he's hopeful his team will play to big crowds at Allianz Field starting when it plays a June 23 home game against Austin F.C. after a three-week schedule break.

"I hope so, I really do," he said. "It was great only having the 4,000 last week. They generated a little atmosphere."

The Loons sold 4,100 tickets for its first four home games — which end May 15 against FC Dallas — based on the state's restrictions. It still must follow MLS safety guidelines as well, so it's likely the club won't target a return closer to full capacity at Allianz Field until after that FIFA international schedule break.

The team hasn't yet announced when tickets — and how many — will go on sale for the season's remaining 13 home games.