Inter Miami CF coach Gerardo Martino confirmed that Jordi Alba will miss the match against CF Montréal on Saturday at Saputo Stadium and also put an end to transfer rumors amid injury concerns.
The Spaniard has been absent since the 3-2 win over Sporting Kansas City on April 13, after leaving the field with concerns in the second half. The team later confirmed that he suffered a right leg injury, forcing him to be sidelined for more than four weeks.
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“Jordi Alba is already training normally, but we will take another game to avoid threats,” said Martino.
Inter Miami continues to struggle with several injuries, as Facundo Farías, Ian Fray, Diego Gómez, Federico Redondo and Robbie Robinson are unavailable for various medical reasons.
Although the team lacks options on the bench, Martino maintained that the coaching staff remains focused on the current squad and not on the next transfer window or on the Ángel Di María rumors.
Even if Miami wanted to sign bigger names, current Major League Soccer roster rules would prevent the club from doing so.
“I will echo everything I have said about Di María, I will repeat it: there is no need for me to talk about the quality that Ángel has, but although the transfer window opens in two months it is difficult for me to understand the path.” Inter Miami could sign him,” Martino said.
“I don't have much to say, it is not a question of sporting abilities. There is no doubt about it. But very specific situations must happen for us to sign him because Miami already has a squad that fulfills the roles. The MLS demands and we have no way to bring any other figure like Angel or others until the rules change. For the moment it will be difficult to bring anyone.
“Journalists ask me [if I want] players like it [Radamel] Falcao and Di María who are considered sacred, it is almost an insult that I have to give my approval to players who have made history,” he said.
“They are players about whom there is no need to talk about their abilities as footballers. The transfer window opens in two months and right now we are focused on the tournament, on the current squad and on the players returning from their injuries. We are focused “On getting points for the Copa América and the Olympic Games, we are not focused on reinforcements.”
Inter Miami has a busy week ahead, playing Montreal on Saturday before traveling to Orlando on Wednesday for the Rivalry Week match and hosting DC United on May 18.
The game plan for the upcoming matches will be determined based on Saturday's result.
“We'll see if we need to rotate after tomorrow's game against Montreal, how the players finish the game. And then we'll determine who is in the best condition to play against Orlando on Wednesday,” Martino said.
The Herons lead the Eastern Conference standings with 24 points in 12 games and a record of 7-2-3 (WLD).
