Atlanta United will get a couple of key contributors back ahead of the second game of their homestand against FC Dallas. Forward Jamal Thiaré and midfielder Tristan Muyumba were not listed on the club's availability report Friday, meaning they'll be eligible to be selected to the starting XI Saturday.
Muyumba will be available for the first time since his right leg injuries against FC Cincinnati March 22. He was expected to miss three weeks but is now off the injury list after just two weeks. He may return to the defensive midfield, where he's found success this season in head coach Ronny Deila's system. Muyumba was leading the team in passing before his injury.
Thiaré is another returner, back available after missing four matches with a quad injury. He last played as a substitute Matchday 2 on the road at Charlotte FC. He's been meticulous in training about working his way back, and he returned to contact drills in this week's sessions.
Still, the 5-Stripes will be without some starters. Derrick Williams, for one, will miss the Dallas match with a hamstring injury. Pedro Amador, who was a late scratch before the New York City match, is still recovering from his quad issue.
Alexey Miranchuk, Atlanta United's No. 10 and the man Deila described as a "maestro" after the New York City match, will be questionable Saturday with an adductor injury. His potential absence could pave the way for Almirón to play at the 10 as he did in the second half of the 5-Stripes' 4-3 comeback win against NYC. Deila, Miranchuk and team officials will come together to see if he's able to go against FC Dallas.
"We don't take any chances," Deila said after training Thursday. "I expect him to be ready."
Deila has been preaching load management in recent weeks as his team navigates a long season and looks to get the entire squad fit as soon as possible.
"We have to find the right load individually, and also as a team," Deila said Thursday. "We're getting closer and closer."
Player | Injury | Status |
Pedro Amador | Quad | Out |
Alexey Miranchuk | Adductor | Questionable |
Edwin Mosquera | Ankle | Out |
Derrick Williams | Hamstring | Out |