Chucky Lozano’s injury, Anders Dreyer’s illness bad news for San Diego FC

Injury and illness could keep two of San Diego FC’s top players from suiting up for Monday’s MLS Cup playoff match at Snapdragon Stadium.

San Diego FC’s Hirving “Chucky” Lozano did not play for Mexico’s national team on Tuesday night because of a hamstring issue, casting doubt on his availability to play against Minnesota United.

And Anders Dreyer was pulled from Denmark’s roster due to illness. He remained back at home on Tuesday, when his home country fell to Scotland 4-2 in a World Cup qualifier match.

Both players are competing for their home countries during FIFA’s international break, which has caused a two-week dead period in the middle of MLS’ playoffs.

SDFC’s medical staff will evaluate both players when they return stateside, likely by the end of the week. The MLS expansion club resumes training on Thursday at its Singing Hills headquarters, though which players attend will depend on how quickly they can return from the international matches.

It’s a quick turnaround. SDFC hosts Minnesota United in Monday’s MLS Cup Western Conference semifinal match. The knockout-stage game starts at 7 p.m.

The more immediate concern is Lozano, who left Saturday’s friendly against Uruguay with an apparent left hamstring injury. Lozano underwent an MRI and ultrasound on his leg, and the results showed “muscle overload … that will limit his participation with the Mexican National Team for the next match vs. Paraguay,” the national team said in a statement.

Lozano battled injuries to both hamstrings throughout his first season with San Diego FC, starting just 22 of 34 regular-season matches.

Lozano was benched following what sources described as a tantrum thrown at halftime of a late-season match against Houston. He did not play in the club’s next two matches and has come off the bench in the two matches since.

Lozano played as a reserve in SDFC’s Nov. 1 match against Portland, netting a goal in Game 2 of the best-of-three playoff series. He logged 20 minutes in the club’s Nov. 8 rout of Portland in Game 3, a victory that moved the club ahead in the MLS Cup playoffs.

Dreyer has been SDFC’s best player, scoring 19 goals and logging 18 assists on the way to MLS Newcomer of the Year honors. He is also a finalist for the league’s Landon Donovan MVP award.

SDFC to keep Bombino

SDFC is keeping defender Luca Bombino.

The club announced Tuesday that it has exercised its permanent trade option to keep Bombino, who was acquired on loan from LAFC in February.

The price is steep: SDFC is sending $200,000 in general allocation money to LAFC, which will retain a future sell and trade percentage if San Diego parts ways with Bombino. LAFC could receive up to another $900,000 in general allocation money depending on what Bombino accomplishes with SDFC.

SDFC initially gave up an international roster slot for the right to borrow Bombino for the season. The loan included an option for SDFC to permanently keep the defender via trade.

The 19-year-old Bombino started 24 regular-season matches, coming off the bench in another two of them. The Santa Clarita native was one of three SDFC players, joining goalkeeper Duran Ferree and midfielder Pedro Soma, to play for the United States in this summer’s U-20 World Cup in Chile.

“Luca has proven to be an important addition to our team, stepping into a big role in the backline this season,” said SDFC Sporting Director Tyler Heaps. “His commitment, growth mindset and competitive drive made it clear he belongs here and at this level. We’re proud to make his move permanent and look forward to watching him continue to develop and thrive in our environment.”

Match sold out

Monday’s match at Snapdragon Stadium is a sellout, the club announced.

More than 32,500 fans are expected for the match against Minnesota United. The match is a “blue-out,” with fans encouraged to wear the color. The first 25,000 fans through the gates will receive a free rally towel.