Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez won’t play in Sunday’s game at Montreal, manager Frank de Boer said Friday.
Martinez, who leads Atlanta United with 26 goals this season, suffered a knee and ankle injury in Saturday’s win against San Jose. Martinez didn’t play in Wednesday’s 4-1 loss at NYCFC.
Martinez did jog before Friday’s session, according to de Boer.
“That looks good, promising,” de Boer said. “It’s too early still.”
Martinez teased social media with a video posted to his Instagram account Thursday of him jogging on a treadmill with the theme from the movie “Rocky” playing.
But Martinez was among the many first-team players who didn’t participate in Friday’s training session at the complex in Marietta.
Brandon Vazquez started at striker against NYCFC. Though he didn’t score, he did win a penalty that was converted by Pity Martinez. De Boer said he thought Vazquez played well. Hector Villalba also is a possiblity to start at striker Sunday.
De Boer said that Julian Gressel, who missed the NYCFC game because of a lingering calf issue, is available to play against Montreal. Gressel has four goals and 10 assists in 31 appearances.
Ezequiel Barco also is available to play, but isn’t ready for 90 minutes. Barco has four goals and two assists in 13 appearances this season.
In addition to Josef Martinez, Atlanta United also will play without Eric Remedi and Mo Adams, who are suspended because of yellow-card accumulation. De Boer said it’s likely that Jeff Larentowicz will start as one of the defensive midfielders, but also referenced the possibility of Kevin Kratz playing.
X
Southern Fried Soccer Podcasts:
Can be found on I-tunes and Spreaker
For more content about Atlanta United:
Follow me on twitter @DougRobersonAJC
On Facebook at Atlanta United News Now
Atlanta United coverage on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Have a question? Email me at droberson@ajc.com
About the Author
