Brett’s reported appointment is about more than returning injured players. It should also bring greater coordination across medical care, rehabilitation, training loads and injury prevention.
The English specialist has reportedly worked at Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion, while also gaining experience in rugby. That background could prove valuable at a club attempting to build a more consistent daily performance structure.
The timing is significant. Toronto’s previous head of sports science, Cesar Meylan, reportedly left before the preseason, leaving the department without a permanent leader during a period of mounting absences. Hernandez has indicated that several key players were affected, increasing the pressure on the club’s recruitment and performance planning.
Toronto is also preparing for major changes to the MLS calendar. The planned 2027 format would introduce a shorter regular season before the league shifts toward a July-to-May schedule.
Hernandez has described that transition as “águas desconhecidas” - uncharted waters. The challenge will not be limited to fixture congestion. Toronto must also manage cold-weather preparation, artificial training surfaces and the transition to natural grass.
The club is reportedly planning significant improvements to its training centre, including better winter facilities. Brett’s role could become central to making those investments meaningful.
The club is reportedly outside the playoff places and has gone nine matches without a victory in all competitions. That makes the return against Montréal more than a routine restart; it is an early test of whether Toronto can restore rhythm and confidence.
Brett’s success will not be measured by one dramatic comeback. It will be judged through improved availability, clearer recovery plans and a squad capable of sustaining momentum. The next storyline is whether the new structure can give Toronto a healthier platform for the summer run-in.