Atlanta United lose another fullback to long-term injury

Atlanta United’s fullback depth is suddenly a cause for major concern. The club announced on Monday that leftback Mikey Ambrose has undergone successful surgery for a torn meniscus and will miss between three and four months of action.

This news comes days after back-up fullback Sal Zizzo was sidelined with the same injury. Starting leftback Greg Garza is still out with a shoulder injury. Ambrose has started eight games this season and done very well.

Tata Martino’s options at both fullback positions are getting slim. So much so that 16-year-old Homegrown Player George Bello was named to the bench in the 2-2 draw against Toronto FC on Saturday.

Atlanta signed Venezuelan leftback Jose Hernandez in the offseason, but he’s currently on international duty. He would seem to be the favorite to be used as a depth player when he returns, but the team would need to find a way to clear an international slot for him.

If the Five Stripes have any plans to add to their roster for the rest of the season, they’ll need to make a move by Wednesday when the MLS summer transfer window closes for good.