CF Montreal claimed an important three points on Saturday in a 1-0 Canadian Classique derby victory over Toronto FC, but one of the major talking points was the return to star midfielder Djordje Mihailovic for Wilfried Nancy’s squad.
Mihailovic made his return to action for CF Montreal, logging 30 minutes off the bench in his first appearance since May 28. The 23-year-old had been sidelined the past seven weeks due to an ankle injury, which not only forced him to miss six matches for CF Montreal, but also U.S. men’s national team involvement in June.
Mihailovic delivered a sensational first season with CF Montreal in 2021, totaling four goals and 16 assists for the eventual Canadian Championship winners. His production carried over the opening three months of the 2022 league season, setting a new career-high with seven goals in league play.
Saturday’s return to action was only the start for Mihailovic back in the CF Montreal squad, but overall it was a promising cameo off the bench.
“I was happy, first for Djordje because it’s been a long time for him. It’s been also really difficult,” Nancy said post match. “He helped the team to try to score. It was a little bit difficult for him in terms of rhythm because at the end Djordje, this is one of the better guys in terms of being able to run for a long time and repeat the action at a high intensity.”
Mihailovic’s strong start to the 2022 campaign helped CF Montreal sit above the red line in the race for playoff spots and now with the attacking midfielder back healthy, the Canadian club will be hoping to reap the rewards of his presence. Saturday’s 10th league victory of the season moved CF Montreal to fourth place in the Eastern Conference, sitting three points clear of fifth place Orlando City and only seven points back of conference-leading Philadelphia Union.
Now with four-straight matches against East opponents, CF Montreal will be pushing to make up ground with Mihailovic back and ready to continue his leading role in the squad.