Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez was undergoing tests on his knee after Saturday’s 3-2 win against D.C. United, according to manager Gonzalo Pineda, who said he thinks Martinez is OK.

Martinez could be seen slightly limping near the end of the MLS game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. He underwent knee surgery in March 2020 after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee. He underwent surgery again on the knee in December because of scar tissue and an infection.

“Josef is a warrior,” Pineda said. “He’s a fantastic player that has been struggling with many, many things in his knee.”

Martinez scored his ninth goal this season in the 64th minute against D.C. United.

Pineda said playing three games on turf in the past eight days, and traveling to South America to play for Venezuela in its World Cup qualifying games, weren’t easy for Martinez.

“I told him, if you feel something just let me know,” Pineda said. “I think it’s not easy for him and all the injuries he has had in that knee. So what I’m very pleased again, with having a warrior that cares about the team that cares about the club, and continues performing and playing even though he had a little bit of an issue.”

About the Author

Keep Reading

Atlanta United defender Pedro Amador runs with the ball against Columbus on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Amador later scored in the 46th minute. (Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta United)

Credit: Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta United

Featured

Delta employees are under investigation because of content “related to the recent murder of activist Charlie Kirk” that “went well beyond healthy, respectful debate,” CEO Ed Bastian wrote in a companywide memo Friday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez