Positive COVID test, fitness may keep Josef Martinez sidelined

Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez is training by himself not because of COVID-19 protocols, but because he is trying to regain his fitness, Atlanta United president Darren Eales said Wednesday.

Though vaccinated against COVID, Martinez tested positive while with the Venezuelan men’s national team competing in the Copa America in Brazil. As a result, Martinez spent at least two weeks in a hotel room in which he couldn’t work on his fitness. Because Martinez also is still recovering from the knee injury sustained last year, the team doesn’t want to push him too quickly.

Eales said he isn’t sure if Martinez will be available for Thursday’s game at Nashville. He said he thinks it’s more likely that Martinez will return for the July 17 game against New England at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Martinez has two goals in seven appearances this season. Atlanta United has been shut out in its past three games and is winless in its past six.

About the Author

Q&A with Atlanta United’s Gerardo Martino: On the roster, pressure and World Cup

Martino said believes he can help the Five Stripes win, similar to when he led them the first time.

Atlanta United managerial finalists included one surprise

Atlanta United’s list of managerial finalists, culminated by the hiring of Gerardo Martino, included several other highly regarded managers.

‘On a good track’: Martino believes Atlanta United is better than its results

During an introductory news conference Thursday, Gerardo Tata Martino acknowledged that there are obviously needed improvements or there wouldn’t have been a coaching change.

The Latest

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Atlanta United managerial finalists included one surprise

Q&A with Atlanta United’s Gerardo Martino: On the roster, pressure and World Cup

‘On a good track’: Martino believes Atlanta United is better than its results

Featured

Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images

Prosecutor takes helm of Georgia case against Trump. But will he move forward?

A veteran Georgia prosecutor will decide the fate of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' election interference case against Donald Trump and his allies.

With some solar power tax breaks expiring, Georgians rush to catch the sun

Georgia solar installers say they’re seeing a surge of customers trying to install rooftop solar systems before federal tax credits go away at the end of the year.

‘Automatic for the People’: Weaver D’s still bonds Athens as era nears end

After feeding everyone from R.E.M. to Brian Kemp, and coining a phrase that went global, Dexter Weaver is preparing to close his storied Athens soul food restaurant.