Sergio Busquets has issued a worrying injury update after the midfielder picked up an ankle problem during Inter Miami’s pre-season.
The former FC Barcelona star was on the receiving end of a nasty tackle in the Herons friendly against Vissel Kobe in Japan, with Busquets forced to come off in the first-half.
Having missed Inter Miami’s final pre-season match against Newell’s Old Boys, hopes had largely lifted that Busquets was over his ankle injury heading into the 2024 MLS campaign.
Sergio Busquets ‘not 100%’ after Inter Miami pre-season injury
Yet speaking to the press via journalist Franco Panizo, Busquets revealed that he still isn’t feeling 100% after starting Inter Miami’s first two MLS fixtures against Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy.
Indeed, Busquets on Sunday looked rusty and slow in California, and it’s clear that the midfielder could benefit with more rest, with Inter Miami not in a position to lose the 35-year-old to something more long-term.
Busquets said when asked about his ankle injury: “It was difficult for me to get back to a good feeling on the field after the injury in Japan because I’m not 100%. I’m playing with pain.
“I missed some training time, I missed the game against Newell’s, but I wanted to play in the first game. Little by little I am feeling better. The ankle is not as swollen and I can move better, but it is still stiff and bothers me a little bit. But each day I am getting better.”
Tata Martino can’t afford to risk star midfielder on Saturday
The new MLS season is only two games old and Inter Miami are already suffering injury problems with Busquets, with Luis Suarez also struggling for fitness.
With the Sunshine Clasico against Orlando City taking place on Saturday, Inter Miami find themselves in a position where they have to be cautious about if the likes of Busquets should start.
And given the midfielder’s comments today, it makes complete sense for Tata Martino to rest Busquets, who is too valuable to be risked even in a game as big as the derby against Orlando.