Franco Escobar rejoined Atlanta United’s first team for training Friday, but will not be available to play in Sunday’s game against Cincinnati at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Escobar suffered a shoulder injury on the first day of preseason training Jan. 15. Manager Frank de Boer said Escobar can’t train with contact yet. Escobar, 24, started 20 games last season, scoring two goals in the playoffs. He can play either as a centerback, fullback or wingback.
“It’s good for the team that he’s back,” de Boer said.
While Escobar did return, neither Julian Gressel (ankle) nor George Bello (undisclosed) participated in the first few minutes of training, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
De Boer said Bello will play on Saturday with Atlanta United 2 and may be available for Wednesday’s game against Monterrey at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Gressel started at right wingback the first two games, was held out of the third game at D.C. United to rest, and suffered an injury two days before Wednesday’s Champions League game at Monterrey. De Boer said Gressel may be available for Wednesday’s second leg against Monterrey.
Mike Ambrose, who is left-footed, started at right wingback. Gressel is tied for the team lead in goals (2) this season.
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