Drogba returns to bench for Montreal's 2nd-leg match against Red Bulls

Didier Drogba is back in the Montreal Impact squad and presumably ready to play against the New York Red Bulls. The Canadian outfit announced Drogba would start from the bench in the 2nd leg of this Eastern Conference semifinal.

The 38-year-old Ivorian had missed the team's last four matches, including a pair of playoff fixtures, as he dealt with a back problem while simultaneously becoming the subject of in-fighting with the club's coaching staff.

Drogba was reportedly unhappy with a bench role in a 401 Derby match against Toronto FC and asked to be removed from the 18-man game day squad entirely.

He then went on to miss the Impact's final regular season match of the season, as well as the playoff Knockout Round victory over D.C. United and the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinal against the New York Red Bulls.

In his absence, Matteo Mancosu filled in wonderfully, scoring game-winning goals against both D.C. and the Red Bulls to set Montreal up to advance further in the post-season.

The Italian was named to the starting lineup for the second leg at Red Bull Arena, with Drogba returning to a bench role.