Atlanta United’s Zach Loyd has yet to participate in the team’s preseason training in Florida because of a groin injury sustained in the offseason.
He is undergoing rehab and is expected to rejoin the team for full activities in the next 2-3 weeks. The team will open the regular season hosting New York Red Bulls at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium on March 5.
Loyd reported to the team on Friday, four days after it opened camp at IMG Academy. He was with the team on Monday, but did exercises with a trainer.
Loyd, a central defender, was selected by Atlanta United in the second round of the expansion draft in December.
Loyd made 180 appearances, including 168 starts, for Dallas during the previous seven seasons. He sustained a concussion that limited him to 12 appearances last season. Atlanta United Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said in December that Loyd cleared concussion protocol.
The team has several central defenders: Michael Parkhurst, acquired in a trade with Columbus, Miles Robinson, selected with the No. 2 pick in the first round of the SuperDraft, Leandro Pirez, bought from Estudiantes in Argentina, and Anton Walkes, who is on loan from Tottenham in England. Jeff Larentowicz, signed as a free agent, can also play centerhalf.
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