Fire retain central midfield even if captain Pause is ready to go

Fire's Logan Pause -- Getty Images

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. -- In the mind of Chicago Fire head coach Carlos de los Cobos, even the team's captain will have to earn his starting spot back.

Fire defensive midfielder Logan Pause has missed the last several weeks because of a hamstring injury, paving the way for Daniel Paladini and Corben Bone to take starting roles in the central midfield for the past three matches.

Pause trained heavily on Thursday and appears to be nearing a return, perhaps this Saturday when the Fire (1-3-5) travel to Philadelphia (4-3-2). But De los Cobos said that he is going to continue with the midfield he has penciled in over the past several weeks, even if Pause is ready to go.

"I want to keep the guys who are playing because they are making a good job," said De los Cobos, whose team has posted a 0-0-3 mark during Pause's absence. "Logan is always important for me. For that reason, he is our captain. He was three weeks out and the team is playing good. I always need Logan. I think he's a good leader with the group. I'm sure that he's a smart person and a smart guy, and he understands the situation. He will work for returning to play."

Read more at ESPNChicago.com.