Atlanta United announced on Tuesday that left back Greg Garza underwent successful surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Recovery from the surgery will take 4-6 months.
Garza originally suffered the injury while playing in the 2017 MLS All-Star Game against Real Madrid in Chicago, and reaggravated it during Atlanta’s match against the New York Red Bulls on May 20. In that match, Garza was sent off with a red card in the 71st minute for a tackle on Red Bulls midfielder Daniel Royer.
Garza has started in all 10 of the matches he's played in this season (out of a possible 12), and during the team's inaugural season last year, he started in 25 of the 26 matches he appeared in.
Given the club's timetable for Garza's recovery, he could conceivably return from the injury in time for one of the team's final three matches in October. In the meantime, though, coach Tata Martino will be left with one less option for a backline that's helped his team build one of the best goal differentials in the league so far this season. Mikey Ambrose or Jose Hernandez could see increased playing time as a result of the injury.
The Five Stripes, currently atop the Eastern Conference and Supporters' Shield standings, will soldier on against New England tomorrow night at Gillette Stadium (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info).
MLS Fantasy Impact: Reto Ziegler ($7.3) or Alejandro Fuenmayor ($7.3) could be good options in Garza's absence. Start playing!
