With Lionel Messi Missing, Top Inter Miami Star Forced Off Due to Hamstring Problem vs D.C United

It’s an eventful first half for Inter Miami. To everyone’s surprise, DC United took the lead quite early in the 14th minute. Fortunately, the Herons were able to respond. But, their luck didn’t last long as Argentine defender Nicolas Freire has been forced off due to an injury. As per initial reports, the center-back is believed to have a hamstring injury. Freire has been replaced by Ukraine defender Serhiy Kryvtsov.

This does not bode well for Tata Martino & Co who are already without captain Lionel Messi. Messi is out with a muscle injury and per the Inter Miami boss, it was a case of ‘avoiding risks.’ In the 50th minute of the CONCACAF Champions Cup tie against Nashville SC, the Argentine superstar had to be substituted due to an ‘overload’ in his right leg.

Previously,t he last game Inter Miami were without the services of their captain was the league clash against CF Montreal. Unfortunately, that was a match to forget as the Herons were beaten 3-2. That encounter was a stark reminder of how much injuries affected Inter Miami’s game plan. With hamstring injuries taking at least 2 weeks to recover from, perhaps Tata Martino and Co. could be without Nicolas Freire for a few matches at the minimum.

Read More: “Forfeit Any Future Games Messi Is Injured For” – Inter Miami Suffers First Season Defeat Without Lionel Messi; Fans React

For many, this is possibly Inter Miami’s best chance to win the MLS title. After all, they possess players like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and more. The strongest squad in the league, but their Achilles heel is the defence. Not much about the quality, but regarding availability.

Defensive crisis at Inter Miami!

Inter Miami were already dealing with two long-term defensive injuries. Defender Ian Fray suffered an injury to his left ACL in July 2023 and he won’t be available anytime soon. Likewise, left-back Franco Negri suffered an ACL injury in June. Hence, a long-term injury to Nicolas Freire is the last thing Tata Martino would want.

Furthermore, the injury issues are not just limited to defenders. Homegrown midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi is out after Sports Hernia surgery. Attackers Corentin Jean and Facundo Farias are the long-term casualties with both recovering from ACL tears. Hence, if the Herons are to have a historic season, they will need a bit of fortune with injuries.

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