Atlanta United midfielder Ezequiel Barco could return from injury as early as the end of the month, manager Gerardo Martino said Thursday. Barco could play in Atlanta United’s game at Minnesota United on March 31.

Barco, the most expensive transfer in MLS history, suffered a quad injury the week of Atlanta United’s season opener. He has missed the first two games and will miss Saturday’s game against Vancouver. Atlanta United has next week off before the Minnesota game, a two-week stretch between games. The initial diagnosis called for Barco to miss 4-6 weeks.

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