The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Martinez’s availability for U.S. Open Cup up in the air
MLS leader in goals broke nose during victory at Columbus.
Josef Martinez’s status for Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup against Chicago will be decided soon, according to manager Gerardo Martino.
Martinez, who leads MLS with 14 goals, suffered a broken nose while scoring during last week’s 2-0 win at Columbus. “Even though we don’t think it’s a serious injury, we are going to evaluate the risks” of Martinez playing Wednesday, Martino said.
Martino said midfielder Miguel
Almiron, who suffered a shoulder injury at NYCFC, is fine and past the worrying stage. Almiron played in the game at Columbus, contributing an assist. He has six goals and seven assists this season.
Martino said that defender Chris McCann (hamstring) may be available for Sunday’s MLS game against Portland.
The team likely won’t call up any players from Atlanta United 2 for Wednesday’s game.
Martino mum on Remedi rumor: Martino said he read a report tying the club to midfielder Eric Remedi, but at the moment “there’s nothing to comment on.”
“But I read the same thing,” he said.
Remedi is a 23-year-old Argentinian who plays as a defensive midfielder for Banfield in his native country. The club is reportedly set to pay $2 million for the player.
There are a few issues Atlanta United would need to resolve to sign the player, who would compete with Jeff Larentowicz, Julian Gressel and Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, among others, for playing time. The club has been searching for a defensive midfielder since it sold Carlos Carmona to
Midfielder Miguel Almiron is fine and Atlanta is not worrying.
Colo-Colo in Chile before the season.
The first issue is the transfer fee and salary would make Remedi a Designated Player, according to MLS rules. The club could use Allocation Money to buy down that fee and salary, which would remove the DP tag from Remedi. The club likely has more than enough Allocation Money from the sale of Carmona.
The second issue is the club has used all of its seven international slots. One of the players occupying a slot could be loaned to Atlanta United 2, or would need to complete a green card. Atlanta United has completed that process with several players already.
Remedi couldn’t join Atlanta United until the transfer window opens on July 10.