Some of Darlington Nagbe’s teammates said they feel for the injured midfielder, but are confident the team will overcome the loss of the influential player.
“Guys are going to have to step up,” captain Michael Parkhurst said on 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.”
The team announced on Tuesday that Nagbe is expected to miss 2-3 months after suffering an adductor injury in last week'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 invaluable player linking defense to offense in the midfield, Atlanta United also leads the league in goals (34).
“Its all part of the game,” fullback Mikey Ambrose. “Injuries happen every year. You feel terrible for the guys that are going through them. The next guy has to step up and that’s why you have a 30-man roster. The organization has built the roster very well so the next guy has to step up and do the job.”
Ambrose would know. He has moved into the starting lineup in place of Greg Garza, who is likely out for the season after suffering a shoulder injury and undergoing surgery in late May.
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.
“Whoever it is will have to step up because he has big shoes to fill,” Parkhurst said.
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