Lionel Messi won’t feature in the “Clásico del Sol” but could former Barcelona teammate Alba make his return from injury?
Roddy ConsRoddyConsUpdate: May 15th, 2024 16:21 EDT0
Antonio OjedaEFE
Inter Miami head into their “Clásico del Sol” derby against Orlando City in MLS Rivlary Week without star man Lionel Messi, who has been ruled out of the clash due to injury. However, there is some good news for Gerardo “Tata” Martino regarding Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Jordi Alba.
How many games has Alba missed? How have they done without him?
The left-back has been forced to sit out The Herons’ last four MLS games because of a hamstring injury, although they haven’t missed him too much, it has to be said, winning all four by an aggregate score of 19-6. That, however, has largely been down to Messi’s return to the team rather than Alba’s absence.
It will be the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s turn to drop out of the team in Orlando, with the knee issue he suffered in the weekend win over Montreal keeping him on the sidelines after featuring in seven successive matches.
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Jordi Alba has missed Inter Miami’s last four games due to injury but is “expected to play” in Orlando. Ángel ColmenaresEFE
Alba “expected to play against Orlando”
On the flip side, Alba will be available to return to the starting lineup after his own fitness issues, according to journalist Michelle Kauffman, who claimed: “Jordi Alba will be available to play. He’s missed the last several games with a hamstring injury, but he’s returned to practice, and he is expected to play against Orlando”.
Martino will, of course, be delighted to welcome a top-class performer back into his defensive line. Las Garzas’ excellent recent form hasn’t been built on a solid defence, with six goals conceded in the four matches Alba missed.
