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Atlanta United have been dealt a big injury blow ahead of Wednesday’s match in Toronto. On Monday, Manager Frank de Boer told the media in his pre-match availability that Ezequiel Barco suffered a knee injury in the team’s 3-2 win over Columbus Crew in the U.S. Open Cup.
Frank de Boer just told us Ezequiel Barco could be out for 2 weeks after suffering a knock in a tackle at some point against Columbus in the U.S. Open Cup. He said the injury is similar to what Tito suffered, but not as severe. #ATLUTD
— Joe Patrick (@japatrick200) June 24, 2019
De Boer specified that Barco’s injury isn’t as severe as Tito Villalba’s knee injury that has kept him out for nearly a month. He also says that Barco can’t pinpoint when he picked up the injury because he didn’t feel the pain until after the match had concluded.
This is an unfortunate turn of events for the 20-year-old who has been a revelation for Atlanta this season. His scintillating form started all the way back in preseason and has continued up until now. Hopefully this injury is just a minor speed bump in his season and he resumes his inspired run of form as soon as he’s able.
In his absence, it’s likely that Dion Pereira will continue to see vital minutes on the wing. It’s also possible that Andrew Carleton could see some extra minutes if De Boer prefers a more central player to make plays that allows Pity Martinez to stay wide.