Jack Harrison has returned to training ahead of the best-of-three series against the Philadelphia Union in the first round of the MLS playoffs.
The New England Revolution winger last featured on Sept. 9, playing 80 minutes in a 2-1 win over New York City FC. He then spent the last two months rehabbing a quad injury.
"I'm definitely getting close now," Harrison told The Soccer Show. "[I'm] back in full training with the team and excited about the playoffs."
In a sign of who he is, Harrison praised the medical team for helping him navigate this trying time.
"I have to give a massive shoutout and a lot of credit to Eric [Schwartz, Director of Sports Medicine] and the medical staff here at the club," Harrison explained. "Despite having a bad injury, it's been one of the best experiences that I've had.
"Getting to know those guys on a personal level and going through something difficult, they've just made that process so much easier than I could have imagined."
Harrison is eager to get back on the field, but also understands that he can't rush the process.
He does hope to play a role in the postseason, which would be a massive positive for the Revs, as the Designated Player has six assists in seven appearances.
The Revs host the Union on Saturday, Nov. 21 before heading to Subaru Park on Saturday, Nov. 28. Leg three, if needed, would take place at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, Dec. 2.
"The way we're progressing, these last couple of weeks especially, I think we've made a massive jump in the rehab process," Harrison said. "But at the same time, that's me speaking. I think from a medical perspective, they might want to be a bit cautious and think more about the longer run of things.
"I think ultimately it's down to Marko [Mitrovic, Revolution head coach] and what the game is asking for. We have to be smart and strategic in the playoffs, with the first round being best of three. It's something to think about, but I'm definitely excited to potentially get some minutes at some point."
The Revs have returned to the playoffs after a two-year hiatus, finishing third in the Eastern Conference. The club is now hunting the elusive MLS Cup, which Harrison hopes to win.
"I think one of the first things I spoke about with Eric, the head of medical staff here who's been doing my rehab, was that we're both trying to manifest a game-winning goal in the MLS Cup Final," Harrison said.
