COMMERCE CITY — Yes, Cory Gibbs is healthy.
Gibbs, 28, trained with his new team for the first time Thursday since the Rapids claimed the U.S. international defender Tuesday via allocation.
Health issues have surrounded Gibbs for more than a year following knee and foot injuries, the latter of which kept him from making a first-team debut with his previous club, England’s Charlton Athletic.
“I’m 100 percent fit,” Gibbs said, citing he regained his health in England and played “six or seven” reserve games with the Addicks in the spring.
Gibbs said reports he was hoping to get claimed by the New England Revolution, which had the No. 3 allocation in Tuesday’s lottery, were not entirely accurate. He did acknowledge a close relationship with Revs coach Steve Nicol.
“Now that I’m here and I met the staff and players and everything, I’m excited,” Gibbs said.
Gibbs said he is concentrating on finishing the regular season strong and injury-free for the Rapids and contributing whenever he gets his chance.
The Rapids (6-10-3) host the Kansas City Wizards (6-6-7) on Saturday.
Petke back?
Veteran defender Mike Petke could make his first start of the season Saturday. Ugo Ihemelu (concussion) likely will be sidelined.
Petke, 32, hasn’t played since undergoing ankle surgery during the preseason. He practiced Wednesday with the first-team defense.
“I feel great,” Petke said. “I was told that this surgery was probably going to end my career and I’m better than ever. I’ve been waiting patiently. I just want my shot, and today it looks like I’m going to get it.”
Petke, who said he had played with pain the past four years, assumed the central role in the three-man formation in practice.
“The last time I played three in the back was with D.C. (United) and I won a championship,” he said.
Winging it.
Jacob Peterson appears to be the favorite to replace Colin Clark (suspension) on the left wing Saturday. Peterson, who last started June 21, said the team’s current funk is tough for all.
“It’s not only frustrating for the starters, but for the guys on the bench thinking, ‘Maybe we could add something.’ But I guess you never know,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll have my chance this weekend.”
Herculez Gomez and Nick LaBrocca have also been used on the left.
Clavijo update.
The Rapids said general manager Charlie Wright spoke on the phone Thursday with coach Fernando Clavijo (family medical emergency) in Uruguay. Clavijo did not know if he would return for Saturday’s game, but the likelihood seems increasingly dim.
