The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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- By Doug Roberson droberson@ajc.com

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Robinson still sidelined, but Parkhurst returns to training,

Atlanta United centerback Miles Robinson will not play in Wednesday’s Eastern Conference final against Toronto at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Captain and centerback Michael Parkhurst trained with the team on Monday, but manager Frank de Boer said Monday it’s too early to know if he will be available.

“We have to wait,” de Boer said. “He’s on the field. It’s promising. We have to do some tests. It’s looking good.”

Both defenders missed last week’s playoff win over Philadelph­ia.

Parkhurst sustained a left shoulder injury in the final minutes of the first playoff game against New England on Oct. 19.

De Boer said last week that a scan of the shoulder revealed that surgery wouldn’t be needed and that the team hoped that he and Robinson would return soon. He said that Robinson was riding an exercise bike, which is a step toward recovery.

The MLS Cup is scheduled for Nov. 10.

Parkhurst, 35, has 20 appearance­s including 15 starts during the league’s regular season.

In last week’s 2-0 win against Philadelph­ia in the semifinals, de Boer used Leandro Gonzalez Pirez and Flo Pogba as the centerback­s in a four-man back line, with Franco Escobar as the right fullback and Mikey Ambrose as the left fullback.

Toronto is also dealing with injuries to striker Jozy Altidore and centerback Omar Gonzalez. De Boer said Atlanta United is planning as if Altidore will be used a sub. De Boer wasn’t asked about Gonzalez.

 ?? HYOSUB SHIN / HYOSUB.SHIN@AJC.COM ?? Atlanta United defender Michael Parkhurst, walking off after hurting a shoulder in the Oct. 19 playoff victory, could be ready to return, but it was too early to tell Monday.
HYOSUB SHIN / HYOSUB.SHIN@AJC.COM Atlanta United defender Michael Parkhurst, walking off after hurting a shoulder in the Oct. 19 playoff victory, could be ready to return, but it was too early to tell Monday.
 ?? CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM ?? Defender Miles Robinson, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, is riding an exercise bike but is not yet ready to return to the Atlanta United lineup.
CURTIS COMPTON / CCOMPTON@AJC.COM Defender Miles Robinson, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, is riding an exercise bike but is not yet ready to return to the Atlanta United lineup.

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