Ezequiel Barco returns to training

After missing the first five matches of the season with a quad injury, Ezequiel Barco has returned to team trainings in preparation for Sunday’s home match against NYCFC.

His return is right on schedule according to the club’s original timetable of 4-6 weeks. Barco played in three preseason matches and scored a terrific goal in his last appearance against Minnesota United.

It’ll be interesting to see how Atlanta lines up this weekend and if the Argentinian wunderkind starts. Although he’ll have a full week of training under his belt, perhaps Tata Martino opts to ease him back into regular minutes by bringing him off the bench. If he does start, will United come out in a 4-3-3 or a 3-5-2? Regardless, having a $15 million signing as an option again is a welcome sight.

Barco, 19, was acquired in January from Independiente after a heated and highly publicized transfer saga.