Hector Villalba didn’t train with the rest of Atlanta United’s players on Wednesday, but did do individual work on the side, ahead of Saturday’s game at the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Villalba suffered a hamstring strain two weeks ago in the 5-0 win against LAFC. He didn’t train with the team last week, nor did he play in last week’s 2-2 draw with NYCFC. It’s not unusual for players who are recovering from injuries to work out away from the rest of the team.
Villalba, 23, has one goal and two assists this season, all of which came in the 3-1 win against D.C. United, and 14 goals and 13 assists in his Atlanta United career.
Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino said last week that Villalba could have played against NYCFC if the game were deeper into the season. Instead, Martino moved Miguel Almiron from the midfield to second striker and started Kevin Kratz in the midfield.
Should Villalba not play against the Galaxy on Sunday, Martino has a myriad options for the second striker or wide midfielder, depending upon the formation. Ezequiel Barco, Romario Williams or Jon Gallagher could be the striker. Barco, Andrew Carleton or Brandon Vazquez are among those who could be a wide midfielder.
Franco Escobar (concussion) did train with the team on Wednesday. Martino said that Escobar has looked good in training and he and the coaching staff will decide later this week if he will travel to Los Angeles. Martino said Escobar can be considered either at centerback or right wingback. Jose Hernandez continues to recover from his quad injury and remains a few weeks away from returning to training.
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