Inter Miami Injury Update: Tata Martino Faces Right Back Crisis and Jordi Alba’s Health Status ‘Doubtful’ for CONCACAF Champions Cup

Published 03/07/2024, 3:03 AM EST

Amid the MLS hustle, it’s time for CONCACAF Champions Cup action for Inter Miami. The Herons will travel to Geodis Park to face fellow Eastern Conference rivals Nashville for the RO16 opening leg. As both sides gear up for the upcoming clash, Tata Martino finds himself in a defensive conundrum. Not only is he grappling with the right-back selection, but concerns have also emerged regarding Jordi Alba’s fitness.

In the recent pre-match press conference, Martino said, “There is no specific right-back in the squad. Any decision we make will not be based on a specific right-back.” Notably, DeAndre Yedlin was Miami’s first-choice right-back. However, after playing the opening 3 MLS matches, he was recently sold to FC Cincinnati in exchange for $172,799 GAM. This poses a major problem for the Florida-based club, as they are yet to fill the void. Although 21-year-old Harvey Neville and Inter Miami II’s Israel Boatwright also play as RBs, it’s unlikely Martino will deploy them.

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Interestingly, Julian Gressel might take up the right-back role for tomorrow’s clash. Sadly, the problem extends to the left side of the defensive flank. Martino also admitted that Jordi Alba is suffering from the flu and is doubtful about tomorrow. While Franco Negri is still nursing his ligament tear, Noah Allen might take up Alba’s spot. While these defensive setbacks mount challenges, the Herons should still be able to emerge victorious against Nashville.

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Inter Miami should be able to pass the test against Nashville with flying colors

Although the presence of DeAndre Yedlin and Jordi Alba would have made a world of difference, Inter Miami’s recent MLS form suggests they can still outshine Nashville. The star duo of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez seem to have found their momentum. Both scored braces in the recent 5-0 thrashing of Orlando City. They also occupy the top of the table with 7 points.

Meanwhile, Nashville didn’t experience the start they had anticipated, managing two consecutive draws in their opening fixtures and currently sitting in 10th place. Undoubtedly, Miami will be aiming to capitalize on the Tennessee-based club’s poor form. However, Nashville will be eager to spring a surprise on the visitors. Regardless, let’s observe how Martino navigates his side through the defensive crisis and sustains Miami’s winning streak.

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Written by:

Abhishek Mishra is a senior Soccer Writer at EssentiallySports. His early exposure to playing soccer earned him many accolades at college divisions, making him a sports enthusiast. While closely following daily updates for over a decade, Abhishek is well-versed in European soccer and now the MLS, as well.

Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz

Inter Miami Injury Update: Tata Martino Faces Right Back Crisis and Jordi Alba’s Health Status ‘Doubtful’ for CONCACAF Champions Cup

Inter Miami should be able to pass the test against Nashville with flying colors

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