Atlanta United’s Barco out vs. Columbus in MLS action

Ezequiel Barco will not be available to play for Atlanta United in Saturday’s MLS game against Columbus at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Manager Frank de Boer on Thursday said that Barco is recovering from a small muscle injury on the outside of his knee. His status is week to week.

“It’s not that bad, but it’s still a long season and we want to get him fit for the playoffs, it’s the most important thing,” de Boer said. “If we take the risk, then he’s really out. We don’t want that.”

Barco, 20, has four goals and two assists in 13 league appearances this season. He suffered his recent injury in the win over Minnesota in the U.S. Open Cup. He didn’t participate in the loss at Philadelphia on Aug. 31. Emerson Hyndman started in his place as the attacking midfielder in the 3-4-1-2 formation.

Andrew Carleton missed a few days of training because of a cold. A decision on his status will be made Friday.

Carleton, a 19-year-old native of Powder Springs, has three appearances totaling 64 minutes this season. He scored two goals for Atlanta United 2 in its 3-2 win over Ottawa in a USL game Sept. 7.