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Atlanta United’s second pick in the 2016 MLS Expansion Draft, Zach Loyd, had injury concerns coming into the team with concussion issues in the past. However, the veteran defender will miss some time to open training camp for an unrelated issue.
The AJC’s Doug Roberson reports that the 29-year-old will miss 2-3 weeks of training camp and preseason with a groin injury he picked up during the offseason.
With the acquisition of Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, the drafting of Miles Robinson, and Michael Parkhurst already on the roster, Loyd will face extreme competition for playing time at the center back position. Beginning camp on the sidelines will only set him back even further in the fight for minutes.
Loyd only appeared in 12 matches for FC Dallas last season while fighting concussion problems. He’ll be in a race for full fitness with Atlanta United’s season opener against the New York Red Bulls just 33 days away.