Inter Miami Boss Confirms Sergio Busquets Is ‘Not Going to Play’ Against Newell’s Old Boys; Drops Return Timeline

The pre-season hasn’t gone exactly as Inter Miami would have envisioned. With just 1 victory in 6 matches, the Herons haven’t been in the best of form. Moreover, they have had to contend with lots of injury issues. While Lionel Messi seems to have recovered from his hamstring issue, Inter Miami has been dealt another huge blow. Veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets, who got injured in the match against Vissel Kobe, is set to be unavailable for the upcoming game. However, coach Tata Martino did reveal a positive update regarding the Spanish midfielder ahead of a ‘special match’ for himself.

The match against Newell’s Old Boys in Inter Miami’s final game of the pre-season. Following the match against Messi’s boyhood club, the Herons will kickstart their MLS campaign against Real Salt Lake on February 22.

Tata Martino rules out Sergio Busquets against Newell’s Old Boys in a bid ‘to protect him’

The Inter Miami boss has confirmed that the legendary midfielder will be absent for the anticipated clash. Martino said, “Sergio [took a hit] that caused an ankle injury.” He further gave an interesting update regarding the injury. “If the start of the league was tomorrow, he could play, but he’s not going to play. So we will protect it and get it ready for next Wednesday’s game,” said Martino.

Hence, it seems like the injury is not that serious and the coach wants his midfielder to be well rested ahead of the campaign opener. A positive update, all things considered. Sergio Busquets suffered a horror tackle from Yuya Okaka during the Vissel Kobe clash. This forced him to withdraw during the first half and there were a lot of concerns regarding the extent of the injury. However, it seems the tests have ruled out serious damage to the ankle.

Read More: Sergio Busquets Injured- Inter Miami Star Takes a Painful Hit on His Ankle Vs Vissel Kobe

The match against Newell’s Old Boys is a special one. Mainly because Messi will be lining up against his boyhood club. However, the Inter Miami captain is not the only player who is set for a special reunion.

Newell’s Old Boys set for an encounter against its ‘Greatest Ever Player’. And it’s not Messi!

Everybody knows the story of Lionel Messi and Newell’s Old Boys. However, his coach, Tata Martino, has played a significant part in the club’s history. The Argentine coach was voted by fans as the greatest player in the club’s history. Furthermore, he is also the most-capped player in the club’s history.

Martino played for the club on 3 separate occasions. As a player, he won the league in 1988, 1990, 1991, and 1992. He also had a spell as manager and won the title in 2013. Hence, the encounter is set to be a special one for the Inter Miami boss, even if he is without the service of Sergio Busquets.

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