Atlanta United centerback Alex De John played the final 20 minutes of Thursday’s game at Nashville with what was later determined to be a broken elbow.

De John tweeted the diagnosis Friday after undergoing X-rays after the game.

It was De John’s first start for Atlanta United since joining the team before the season.

His was the second injury sustained by an Atlanta United player during the game. Midfielder Mo Adams was forced to leave in the first half after twice going to the turf. Trainers appeared to be examining his left thigh. He underwent surgery for a sports hernia earlier this year. There was no update given on Adams’ injury or status.

When Adams, who started as a defensive midfielder, left the game, manager Gabriel Heinze substituted in George Campbell as a centerback and moved Santiago Sosa into the midfield.

The team already was without the following players because of injury or fitness concerns: striker Josef Martinez, centerback Alan Franco and midfielders Emerson Hyndman, Franco Ibarra, Matheus Rossetto and Jurgen Damm. With the exception of Ibarra, the remaining players could be available for the next game, against New England on July 17 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The team will be without four starters for the game: goalkeeper Brad Guzan, centerback Miles Robinson, fullback George Bello and midfielder Ezequiel Barco because they are with their respective national teams at tournaments.

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