Atlanta United's Josef Martinez sustained a Grade 2 adductor strain on Monday, which is why he missed Tuesday's 2-0 win over Orlando in the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup.
Manager Frank de Boer said that Martinez is day-to-day but will likely miss Sunday’s game against NYCFC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta United trails first-place Philadelphia by three points in the Eastern Conference.
“He’s eager to come back as quickly as possible,” de Boer said. “Sometimes we have to push him a little bit back. We will make a good decision with him and the medical staff.”
De Boer said Martinez’s injury occurred near the end of training when the team was practicing corner kicks. Martinez jumped, headed the ball into the goal, and felt something when he landed. De Boer said that Martinez immediately walked off the field and to the trainers. A scan revealed the injury.
Martinez leads Atlanta United with 18 goals this season. He has played 1,872 out of 1,890 minutes in league games this season.
Martinez is at least the third Atlanta United player this season to suffer an adductor injury. George Bello suffered one earlier this season. Brandon Vazquez is dealing with one right now. De Boer said he doesn’t think there is a commonality to the injuries.
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