Though Ezequiel Barco trained with Atlanta United on Monday, manager Frank de Boer said the midfielder’s first minutes won’t come against NYCFC on Wednesday and will likely be this weekend at Montreal.
Barco's absence, along with that of Josef Martinez, means Atlanta United will be without two of its three Designated Players in Wednesday's key game at Yankee Stadium. Atlanta United trails first-place NYCFC by four points with three games remaining.
One player who should be good to go is midfielder Julian Gressel, who said his right knee feels “pretty good” after he sustained an injury in the first half of last week’s win against San Jose.
“Tested it out this morning,” he said. “It’s really more of a back of the knee and calf that’s pretty tight. I’ll think I’ll be fine for Wednesday.”
With Martinez and his 26 goals out, Gressel, Pity Martinez and Justin Meram are tied for the team lead in goals with four each. Barco has also scored four goals in 13 appearances.
De Boer said either Brandon Vazquez or Hector Villalba will likely start in place of Josef Martinez.
“It means that other players have to step up, other guys who will replace him,” de Boer said. “I have to deal with it. I can’t be sitting crying in the corner knowing that he’s not there. I’m still positive. He brings out the energy in our team, and that we have to exploit.”
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