The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Almiron Villalba out against Fire
United could have fullback Garza back for first time since May 20.
Neither Miguel Almiron nor Hector Villalba will be available for Atlanta United in Sunday’s game against Chicago, manager Gerardo Martino said Friday.
Almiron, with 12 goals and 14 assists, suffered a hamstring strain two weeks ago in a 2-1 win against New England. Villalba, with seven goals and nine assists, suffered an undisclosed muscle injury while training with Paraguay.
Their absences would be the first time since Atlanta United started playing before the 2017 season that one of the two players won’t be in the lineup for a league game.
Almiron has missed only four games during the past two seasons, with 59 starts as part of his 62 appearances. Villalba has been almost as durable, with 55 starts among his 61 appearances.
Sunday’s game against Chicago at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is important because Atlanta United leads the New York Red Bulls by one point in the race for the Supporters’ Shield. Any combination of six points won by the Five Stripes or dropped by New York in the final two regular-season games will result in Atlanta United’s first trophy.
Martino said the team will overcome the absences with depth. Ezequiel Barco, Kevin Kratz or Darlington Nagbe are among the players who can slot in for Almiron at attacking midfielder.
Julian Gressel, Brandon Vazquez or Andrew Carleton are among the players who can replace Villalba as a right midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Romario Williams can come in as a second striker, should Martino choose a 3-5-2 formation.
Fullback Greg Garza will be available to be selected for the 18. Garza hasn’t played since suffering a shoulder injury May 20 that required surgery. Garza has one goal and three assists in 10 starts this season.