1. Injuries are hampering the team
One look at Atlanta’s starting XI against Monterrey and you might worry too.
I’ve never *really* been worried about an Atlanta United line up before. Tonight is different. #UniteAndConquer #CCL https://t.co/PGPIqrZMLO
— Josh Bouland (@josh_bouland) March 7, 2019
Injuries are a problem for the Five Stripes right now. Franco Escobar, who starred for the club in their MLS Cup run, is still not fit from a shoulder injury suffered at the beginning of the preseason. Kevin Kratz is still dealing with injury in already shallow midfield depth, while George Bello hasn’t seen the pitch since the team’s first match against Herediano. Julian Gressel just picked up an ankle injury to top it all off.
The team will already rotate the squad because of match congestion, but now they are forced to rotate because of injuries. Fortunately the team is deeper than most, but their depth is not enough to compete with the Liga MX teams left in CCL, including Monterrey. Their depth will even be tested in MLS as the squad rotates this early in the season.