DC United midfielder Ben Olsen has returned to training for the 2009 season. Olsen missed all but 15 minutes of the 2008 season due to chronic left ankle troubles. Olsen himself is very aware of the challenge ahead following four operations on the ankle.
He said: "There will be a lot of managing the pain throughout the season, maybe I'm not going to be a guy that starts or plays -- I have no idea how this is going to play out. It's very day-to-day for me, as it has been for a year."
Fans favourite Olsen has thought about retirement.
"I wrestled with the decision, but how can you give this up? How can you not try and get another year out?" he said. "I'm not ready to step into that next career, whatever it may be. I still feel like I have a lot to give, and sometimes you're not fortunate enough to get that chance, but if I have a glimmer of hope I'm going to go ahead and see what I can do."
DC United face Chicago Fire on March 28 at RFK Stadium.
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