Toronto FC head coach Robin Fraser is seeking clarity over the future of Lorenzo Insigne, who has been left out of the Reds' squad for Saturday's season opener at D.C. United.

Insigne has been out in the cold since Fraser replaced John Herdman, having reportedly been told he does not fit into the new coach's tactical plans.

The former Napoli attacker, however, rejected three offers to leave Toronto during the mid-season transfer window, supposedly from Real Valladolid, Venezia and Sivasspor.

Toronto must now decide whether to reintegrate Insigne, who has scored 14 goals in 54 MLS appearances since arriving in Canada in 2022.

Fraser is unsure about the Italian's status, though he will not be involved when Toronto go to Audi Field this weekend.

"He is in Toronto at the moment," Fraser told reporters on Thursday. "I really can't say too much about it. I think a lot of what is transpiring predates my even coming here. 

"I would say that there's not a whole lot I can say about that. I think that it's a situation for which we are seeking some resolution and certainly, that is the guidance of the group.

"I would say that not much really has changed. I know there's been a lot of speculation in the last probably seven to 14 days but again that's not really for me to comment on."

Captain Jonathan Osorio was also asked about Insigne's status, saying: "That situation is between Lorenzo and the club.

"It's really not my place or any other player's place to speak on it, honestly."

Toronto missed the playoffs for a fourth straight season in 2024, and D.C. – after a strong start under Troy Lesesne – also missed out the postseason, finishing behind Atlanta United on goal difference.

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

D.C. United – Christian Benteke 

Benteke equalled a D.C. United club record by scoring 23 goals in the 2024 season (alongside Raul Diaz Arce in 1996). 

The former Liverpool man scored nine headed goals last year, equalling the second-most by any player in a single season since Opta began detailed data collection of MLS in 2010 (Josef Martinez – 10 in 2018).

Toronto FC – Theo Corbeanu

Prince Osei Owusu, who has joined CF Montreal, led Toronto with nine goals in the 2024 regular season. It was the fifth straight season that no Reds player reached 10 goals.

Corbeanu will hope to contribute in attack, having rejoined Toronto on loan from Spanish club Granada in January.

MATCH PREDICTION – D.C. UNITED WIN

Toronto lost 19 times last season, the club's fourth straight campaign with 18 or more losses, the longest streak of seasons with 18 or more losses by any team in MLS history.

D.C., meanwhile, have won four straight season-opening matches, including a 3-2 win over Toronto to begin 2023. 

Los Angeles FC (seven straight) are the only team with a longer active winning streak in season-opening matches in MLS.

D.C. are also unbeaten in eight straight home matches against Toronto (W3 D5) dating back to 2017. Though Toronto are expected to improve this year, D.C. are awkward opponents, particularly at Audi Field.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

D.C. United – 51%

Toronto FC – 24.1%

Draw – 24.9%