Tata Martino has hinted that Jordi Alba could miss Inter Miami’s CONCACAF Champions Cup clash tonight against Nashville.
The Herons kick off their continental adventure this evening in Tennessee with a repeat fixture of the last year’s Leagues Cup final against MLS rivals Nashville.
Inter Miami are one of the favorites for the Champions Cup this year with the Florida franchise aiming to become only the second MLS team to win the competition since its rebrand in 2008.
Jordi Alba could miss Inter Miami’s Champions Cup clash due to sickness
Yet speaking to AS ahead of tonight’s match, Martino has hinted that Inter Miami could be without star defender Alba due to the left-back being sick with the flu.
The former FC Barcelona star wasn’t seen in training this week with Inter Maimi preparing to claim another huge result against Nashville, with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez fit enough to start.
Yet Alba is another story entirely, with the defender now a major doubt for tonight’s clash in what could be a major blow for Inter Miami and their defense.
Martino said when asked if Alba will be fit enough in time to play: “Jordi is dealing with a strong bout of flu, and we will evaluate him tomorrow to see if he is fit to play or not.”
Tata Martino will want every player fit to face Nashville tonight
Inter Miami’s players have often spoken out about how much they want to win the Champions Cup, and Alba being out through sickness is hardly an encouraging sign.
Nashville are a good team who have given Inter Miami good battles over the years, with the Tennessee side likely to be fired up for tonight’s clash in the Volunteer State.
And for Martino, the Inter Miami boss will be hopeful Alba is able to make the journey and to feature tonight in some capacity, with the Herons in need of a good result take back home to Florida.