MLS
Inter Miami injury and selection update before Newell’s Old Boys friendly: Messi, Suárez, Busquets, Redondo…
The Herons had a number of fitness issues to deal with on their tour of Asia, with three former Barcelona stars all affected.
Inter Miami are back in training after a few well-deserved days off following the conclusion of their Asian tour. Before the 2024 MLS season gets underway, however, they do still have one more warm-up game to play, with Argentine team Newell’s Old Boys, Lionel Messi’s boyhood club, their opponents at DRV PNK Stadium on Thursday (15 February).
Are Messi, Suárez and Busquets fit to face Newell’s?
Messi, who has struggled with injury of late, completed the first session back in Fort Lauderdale, as did Luis Suárez, who appears to be over the worst of a recent knee issue. The main fitness doubt is Sergio Busquets, who looks very unlikely to feature against Newell’s.
When will Federico Redondo join up with Inter Miami?
The Herons’ return to work means they have officially stepped up their preparations for the MLS season opener against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday 21 February. New signing Federico Redondo, the son of former Real Madrid midfielder Fernando, is expected to be available to take on RSL but won’t arrive in Florida until after this week’s friendly. Head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino has confirmed he will pick his strongest possible lineup, with Messi playing from the start.
“It gives us great pleasure to be able to welcome Newell’s and the people connected to the club. A lot of people from Rosario have high expectations for their trip so that will undoubtedly help to make it a great night,” Martino said in a pre-training press conference.
Diego Gómez set to replace Busquets
Diego Gómez was lauded by his teammates on his return to Miami after helping Paraguay qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris, which will be held in July and August.
The midfielder, one of the best players in the Olympic qualifiers in Venezeula, could well be picked as Busquets’ replacement in the coming days/weeks.
The Herons coach staff hold Gómez in very high esteem. As well as being one of a key figure for Paraguay, the youngster has been touted as a future Inter Miami leader since joining the team in August last year. When fit, the 20 year old was a regular starter under Martino in MLS and is expected to have an even more important role to play this season.