Atlanta United’s Miles Robinson to have MRI after leaving field on stretcher

Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson (12) reacts after being injured during his game against Chicago Fire FC Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the Mercedez-Benz Stadium. (Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Daniel Varnado

Credit: Daniel Varnado

Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson (12) reacts after being injured during his game against Chicago Fire FC Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the Mercedez-Benz Stadium. (Daniel Varnado/For the Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Atlanta United centerback Miles Robinson was taken off the field on a stretcher in the first half of Saturday’s MLS game against Chicago at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Robinson, the team’s captain, fell untouched in the 14th minute. Robinson began slamming his hand onto the turf as trainers rushed out and began examining his left Achilles tendon, knee and calf. He was replaced by Alex de John.

Manager Gonzalo Pineda said that Robinson is going to undergo an MRI.

Atlanta United won the game 4-1.

Robinson was presumed to be a lock to have a spot on the U.S. team that qualified for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Atlanta United already has lost two players, goalkeepers Brad Guzan and Dylan Castanheira, to ruptured Achilles tendons this season. Guzan’s injury happened at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Castanheira’s happened at the training facility, where the team practices on grass.

Robinson was the team’s first draft pick with the second selection in the 2017 draft.

He has 96 appearances, including 85 starts, for the club.

He has 21 appearances for the U.S. men’s national team.

Caleb Wiley came on in the second half and had to be subbed off after a few minutes because he suffered a rolled ankle.