Tata Martino has hinted that Inter Miami face a huge squad problem after the surprise trade of DeAndre Yedlin to FC Cincinnati.
The USA international and former Herons captain departed the club this week after Inter Miami’s MLS rivals Cincinnati agreed a $172,799 GAM trade for Yedlin.
With Yedlin Inter Miami’s only natural option at right-back, the Florida franchise have left themselves incredibly weak in the position heading into some crucial games, including tonight in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Inter Miami squad problem revealed after DeAndre Yedlin trade
And speaking to the press via AS, manager Martino has admitted that Inter Miami might now have a major squad issue with the Herons not having a single natural right-back in the squad.
Whilst there is youngster Ian Fray, the 21-year-old is not expected to return to action for a few months after picking up an ACL injury last year, leaving Inter Miami with no chance but to think on the fly.
Martino said when asked about who could play at right-back for Inter Miami: “Our options are purely improvised, as there is no specific right-back in the squad due to Ian Fray’s injury.
“Whether we use a midfielder or a center-back playing as a full-back, any decision we make will not be linked to a specific right-back.”
Tata Martino has to resolve right-back problem as soon as possible
Yedlin’s trade to Cincinnati has given Inter Miami some much-needed breathing room in terms of their salary space, yet the decision has left the Herons hilariously weak on the right-side of the defense.
No natural right-back, the same side of the pitch Lionel Messi plays down, is a rookie error from Inter Miami’s front-office team, with games coming thick and fast for the Florida franchise.
And Inter Miami have to now make it their priority to sign a right-back who can replace Yedlin, a task that will be easier said than done given how good the USA international was for the Herons.