German defender Arne Friedrich, recently signed by the Fire, will train with the team for the first time Tuesday.
The 32-year old Friedrich is an internationally recognized defender having represented Germany in the 2004 and 2008 UEFA European championships. He also represented his country in the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups.
The Fire coaching staff is expected to put Friedrich through a battery of fitness tests to judge his level of conditioning. It is unclear whether he will be available for the club's home opener against the Philadelphia Union.
"I feel good bringing back the same group of defenders from last year and we have a certain understanding and a good cohesion and now adding a player of his caliber to the mix, that can only help," defender Dan Gargan said.
"Everyone is excited to add a really talented piece to the roster."
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