Gonzalez Pirez returns to training; Vazquez out against D.C. United

Atlanta United trained at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday afternoon in preparation for their home opener against D.C. United on Sunday. Tata Martino spoke to reporters in attendance and gave an update on two injuries to his squad. (Joe Patrick’s full report will follow later)

Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, who left the season-opening loss to Houston Dynamo with an injury to his side, was back in training and moving around as if he was ready to play.

Martino said that despite him looking good, an official ruling on Pirez’s availability for Sunday will be made after Saturday’s training session.

While Pirez’s chances of inclusion in the matchday squad appear to be on the rise, Martino revealed that the Five Stripes will be without one of their attackers. Brandon Vazquez will be out of the match with what was described as a muscular issue.

Vazquez was the only attacking substitute used by Martino in the loss to Houston. His absence will leave Romario Williams and Andrew Carleton left as impact attacking options on the bench.