Damien Perrinelle is going to get a run for NYRB II against Wilmington Hammerheads

For the first time in a long time (the 2015 MLS playoffs), New York Red Bulls fans will be able to see Damien Perrinelle in competitive action.

The defender's recovery from a serious knee injury has seen him return to training with RBNY in recent weeks. The next step is to get him some minutes on the field against players who are not his teammates. The Red Bulls have announced Perrinelle has been loaned down to NYRB II for the reserve team's game against Wilmington Hammerheads in USL.

The use of NYRB II to help first-teamers recover fitness and form has been a common and successful tactic for RBNY. Center back Gideon Baah worked his way back into the club's MLS starting lineup this season with regular appearances in USL as part of his recovery from the injury he sustained in March.

Perrinelle's first competitive appearance for more than six months (he hasn't been loaned down to NYRB II to watch from the bench) will doubtless be a little rusty, but it is an encouraging milestone. RBNY head coach Jesse Marsch has stated he is hoping to see the center back ready to return to the first team by July; Perrinelle himself has said the same.

NYRB II plays Wilmington at Red Bull Arena on Sunday, June 26. Kick off is at 3:00 pm. The match will be streamed on YouTube and via RBNY's website.