The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta United could look to Gressel with Nagbe out
Some of Darlington Nagbe’s teammates said they feel for the injured midfielder but are confident the team will overcome the loss.
“Guys are going to have to step up,” captain Michael Parkhurst said Wednesday. “I’m sure they will. We have to keep things going. Other teams won’t feel bad for us because we’ve lost a key guy. It is a big loss for the team. He’s an important part of our success this year. He’s been fantastic.”
T he team announced Tuesday that Nagbe is expected to miss 2-3 months after suffering an adductor
injury in last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Portland at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta United, which leads MLS with 34 points, will host struggling Orlando City on Saturday. The stadium will be open to full capacity for the game.
With Nagbe playing more minutes than anyone on the team and serving as an invaluable player linking defense to offense in the midfield, Atlanta United also leads the league in goals (34).
Parkhust said he expects manager Gerardo Martino may continue to do what he did on Sunday when Nagbe left the game early in the second half: play Julian Gressel in his place. The German moved from the right side of the midfield into the center, with Hector Villalba coming off the bench to play on the right. Villalba led the team in shots on goal (3).
Martino also mentioned Kevin Kratz as a possible replacement. Kratz, 31, has been used mostly as a sub to tidy up the midfield in the second half of games. He is also excellent at free kicks, with two goals from set pieces this season.