Josef Martinez should be ready to play against the New York Red Bulls after not traveling with Atlanta United on Wednesday for what turned into a 5-1 defeat to Chicago at SeatGeek Stadium.
“He was mentally and physically still not prepared,” Atlanta United manager Frank de Boer said. “He’s very important for us and he will be there for Red Bull, that’s for sure.”
De Boer said Martinez spent four weeks living in a hotel while with Venezuela at Copa America in Brazil. The travel, training and games took a toll.
“When you are mentally not prepared there’s a big chance you can get an injury, so we spoke with him, a good conversation, and decided to focus on Red Bull game.”
Martinez, the reigning MLS MVP, leads Atlanta United with 10 goals.
While Martinez may return, Dion Pereira’s status may be in doubt after he received a blow to the head on Wednesday. He was removed the game near the 80th minute and underwent a concussion test along the sidelines. He didn’t return.
“The doctor said he was still a little bit dizzy, so he took the responsible decision for him at that moment,” de Boer said.
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