Coach Bradley says Insigne's TFC debut to be delayed by injury

Toronto FC coach Bob Bradley says a calf injury will likely delay Italian star Lorenzo Insigne's debut until July 23.

The former Napoli captain and fellow Italian Domenico Criscito have been waiting for Thursday's official opening of the MLS's secondary transfer window. Both are eligible to play Saturday when Toronto (5-10-3) hosts the visiting San Jose Earthquakes (4-7-6).

But Insigne, who becomes one of TFC's designated players, has been dealing with a calf injury suffered in Europe.

"In the periods now where he's been on the field there's been discomfort and so he's been taken off the field," Bradley said after training Wednesday.

"My guess is that it is going to take a few weeks to get him ready," he added. "I think a realistic target is going to be July 23. That's not official. There's always hope that things can move faster."

July 23 is when Toronto hosts Charlotte FC. If that timeline continues, the 31-year-old Insigne will miss league games against San Jose, Chicago and Montreal.

While Insigne's salary has not been disclosed, he will become the league's highest-paid player, surpassing Chicago Fire star Xherdan Shaqiri's US$8.15 million this season.

The 35-year-old Criscito, a defender who was formerly captain of Genoa, has been training with the team.

There has been drama with Toronto's two other designated players, with Alejandro Pozuelo on the move to Inter Miami CF and Caros Salcedo dealing with a personal issue.

While the deal to send Pozuelo has yet to Miami to be formally announced, the former league MVP was seen saying his farewells Wednesday at Toronto's training centre.

Pozuelo, with two of his sons in tow, exchanged hugs with Canadian midfielder Jonathan Osorio before driving away with his father in a