Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez sustained a possible abductor (groin) injury in training Monday and didn’t travel with the team for Tuesday’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal game at Orlando, according to a person familiar with the situation.

A spokesman said the team cannot comment on the traveling roster.

The severity of Martinez’s injury is not known. He could be held out as a precaution.

Martinez leads Atlanta United with 18 goals.

Martinez's absence, combined with an injury to Brandon Vazquez, leaves Atlanta United with Hector Villalba as its lone striker. Villalba hasn't played since late May due to an injury. He did make Saturday's game roster against L.A. Galaxy.

Manager Frank de Boer could play Villalba, Pity Martinez or Ezquiel Barco as a striker because it’s an emergency.

Should Atlanta win Tuesday’s game, it will host the U.S. Open Cup final.

Atlanta United trails first place Philadelphia by 3 points in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta United will host NYCFC Sunday.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Led by Erling Haaland (center), Manchester City of England's Premier League will be one of the six teams playing Club World Cup matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The other teams are Al Ain, Chelsea, Inter Miami, LAFC and Porto. (Dave Shopland/AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

Toi Cliatt, Trina Martin and her son, Gabe Watson, say they were traumatized when an FBI SWAT team raided their Atlanta home by mistake in 2017. (Courtesy of Institute for Justice)

Credit: Courtesy Institute for Justice