United FC Martinez Injured

Photo Courtesy of Atlanta United: Josef Martinez (7) tore ACL against Nashville SC

With just three games into the 2020 Atlanta United FC season, and opening game of the MLS season at Nashville, the Atlanta United are already down one player. In the opening game last night against first year team Nashville SC, United FC was up 2-1 in the second half with about 20 minutes left in the game, not counting stoppage time, when forward Josef Martinez went down when it looked like his right leg got caught up with the turf and the defender's foot. Martinez went airborne and was down on the ground for several minutes. Once back on his feet, Martinez tried to give it a go but soon went down again.

Tests today revealed that Martinez tore his right ACL and will be out indefinitely. In American football if a player tears his ACL, he is out the remainder of the season. Player resumes play the next year but is really not the same until two years out from the tear. Martinez is prone to injuries but has made remarkable returns. With the wear and tear that soccer players put on their bodies each game, a return this year is unlikely, even though the seasons last all year.

A timetable hasn't yet been set for surgery, but surgery will be performed soon for Martinez can begin rehabilitation.

In sports there are injuries, and there is no need to dwell on the injury to Martinez. Yes, he will be missed, but as I always say...Next man up.

Next game for Atlanta United FC will be this Saturday for United's first home game at Mercedes Benz Stadium versus Cincinnati FC.

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