Wednesday night’s match between Columbus Crew SC and Atlanta United (7:30 pm ET | TV and streaming info) is shaping up as a tasty clash between two of the top teams in MLS. But the Five Stripes may have to travel to Ohio without key playmaker Miguel Almiron.
Head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino told the media on Monday that a shoulder injury sustained in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at New York City FC could keep Almiron out for the midweek match. The Paraguayan star is more likely to be available for ATLUTD’s U.S. Open Cup match vs. the Chicago Fireon June 20, he added.
“Luckily, we don’t think it’s anything serious but because there are four days between games we are going to evaluate the risks and see if we can count on him in the next game,” Martino told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Doug Roberson.
Almiron injured his left shoulder in the opening minutes of last weekend’s hard-fought clash at Yankee Stadium. He continued to play, but was substituted out at halftime as his side hung on to secure a road point despite heavy pressure from NYCFC.
Martino told Roberson that Almiron – an early contender in the MLS MVP race with six goals and six assists for league-leading Atlanta – could be replaced by Kevin Kratz or Brandon Vazquez. He also noted that winger Hector Villalba is available for selection vs. Crew SC, while midfielder Chris McCann is out with a hamstring injury.
MLS Fantasy Impact: Nicolas Lodeiro ($12.1) and Ignacio Piatti ($11.8) could be better options for fantasy managers on Wednesday. Start playing!
