The Philadelphia Union will be presented with the perfect remedy to overcome Saturday’s loss to New York City FC in the coming weeks.

Jim Curtin’s men begin a stretch of four home games in five Major League Soccer matches on Wednesday as the Chicago Fire visit Talen Energy Stadium.

The Union will receive a boost to their depth heading into their two-match week that also features a Saturday home clash with Vancouver. Forward C.J. Sapong and centerback Joshua Yaro will be available for selection for both contests.

“I thought C.J. looked good today,” Curtin said. “He was able to cut and push off. I’m happy with how he’s progressed. I think that’s a good piece to be back in the mix whether it’s Wednesday or Saturday that’s still to be determined, but he’s progressing well.” 

“Josh was sharp,” Curtin said. “He has a brace on. It’s a situation where he’s just gonna play. He got clearance from the doctors this morning. He is 100 percent in training now. He will feature in Wednesday and Saturday’s games as well.” 

The only concern Curtin may have entering Wednesday in terms of injuries is a slight knock to Warren Creavalle.

“Warren had a little discomfort in his abdomen/groin area,” Curtin said. “He came out about halfway through today. I don’t think it’s anything major. Some minutes may be adding up over the last few weeks.” 

Creavalle is one of a few players expected to receive a boost in playing time after the exit of Vincent Nogueira, who agreed to mutually terminate his contract due to personal reasons on Thursday.

Creavalle and Brian Carroll started in the loss to NYCFC on Saturday, but Curtin will need more players to fill the void during a quick stretch of fixtures that also includes a U.S. Open Cup round of 16 match with the New York Red Bulls on June 29.

“It’s thin right now,” Curtin said of his midfield depth.

However, the Union boss does not expect any radical changes to way his side will play in the coming matches while they sort out a replacement for Nogueira on the depth chart.

“We’re not going to completely change what’s gotten us here,” Curtin said.

Curtin mentioned the club tested Leo Fernandes in the No. 8 role during the preseason. If the Union need extra help in the defensive midfield roles, Fernandes, Tranquillo Barnetta and Roland Alberg should all shift back from attacking roles.

Alberg has particularly impressed Curtin over the last week due to his exploits in the U.S. Open Cup win over the Harrisburg City Islanders and the second half against NYCFC.

“I think he’s given us a real lift,” Curtin said. “The second 45 he came in and really left a mark on the game, not just because he score, but because he has the ability to hold the ball up.”

“He’s a guy that’s comfortable on the ball and makes good decisions in possession,” Curtin said. “He can strike the ball from distance. You saw from the Open Cup,. he has that in his arsenal. He’s worked harder on his fitness. He’s worked harder on the defensive side of the ball. He’s rewarded us in games now.” 

Regardless of who starts on Wednesday and Saturday, the Union are aware of how important their upcoming stretch is to their position in the Eastern Conference standings.

“There’s a belief here that we’ll get points every time we step on the field,” Curtin said. “You’re starting to see a stretch of games where we need to take care of business and it’s good that we have four of next five MLS games and also the Open Cup game here at home where we’re comfortable.”