Atlanta United

Atlanta United’s Garza says labrum completely torn

Atlanta United defender Greg Garza (4) runs with the ball down the field during the match between NYC FC and Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, April 15, 2018. (REANN HUBER/REANN.HUBER@AJC.COM)
Atlanta United defender Greg Garza (4) runs with the ball down the field during the match between NYC FC and Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, April 15, 2018. (REANN HUBER/REANN.HUBER@AJC.COM)
April 18, 2018

Atlanta United fullback Greg Garza said on Wednesday that he is playing with a completely torn labrum in his right shoulder.

Garza first suffered a shoulder injury during last year’s All-Star game in Chicago. The 26-year-old sat out three games from Sept. 16-24, returned to play two and then suffered another injury that forced him to miss the final three regular-season games.

Garza suffered a dislocation of the shoulder in the second half of the 1-0 win at Minnesota United on March 31. He popped it back into the socket and returned. The injury forced him to miss the next week’s game against LAFC. He returned last week.

Garza has said in previous weeks that he will have surgery on the shoulder after his career is over. He said he plays with a bungee cord strapped to the shoulder.

Garza scored his first goal of the season in last week’s 2-2 draw with NYCFC. Teammate Miguel Almiron ran up and pressed on Garza’s left shoulder to propel himself into the air.

Garza has scored three goals and notched six assists for Atlanta United in 30 appearances.

About the Author

Doug Roberson covers the Atlanta United and Major League Soccer.

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