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

Atlanta United offense keeps sputtering in draw at D.C. United

Paris Saint-Germain tops Bayern Munich in Club World Cup

The French powerhouse won its second consecutive match at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, edging Bayern Munich 2-0 on Saturday.

A look at Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich match in Club World Cup, Atlanta

This will be a quarterfinal match on Saturday at noon. Tickets are still available. Here's a look at the teams.

The Latest

Credit: Taylor McLaughlin/Atlanta United

Atlanta United offense keeps sputtering in draw at D.C. United

Paris Saint-Germain tops Bayern Munich in Club World Cup

A look at Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich match in Club World Cup, Atlanta

Featured

Credit: Ziyu Julian Zhu/AJC

Unemployment in Georgia is down, but so is the labor force. Why?

Georgia’s labor force has declined by nearly 30,000 compared to May last year. Here are some reasons why.

Georgia appeals court rules election boards must certify results

The Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that election board members are required to certify election results even when they have concerns about fraud or errors.

Atlanta crypto biz owner caught up in fraud says it’s ‘like living in a James Bond movie’

Prosecutors say North Korean IT specialists are 'infiltrating' tech companies in the U.S. as remote workers to steal money from businesses and funnel it back to North Korea.