Injury Concerns Mount Across MLS as Matchday 9 Approaches

Major League Soccer clubs are grappling with a growing list of injuries and suspensions ahead of Matchday 9, with several sides set to be significantly depleted.

Atlanta United will be without key trio Miguel Almirón, Steven Alzate and Sergio Santos, while Tomás Jacob remains a doubt. Austin FC face similar challenges, with Brandon Vazquez among three confirmed absentees and multiple players listed as questionable, adding uncertainty to their lineup.

In the Eastern Conference, FC Cincinnati are missing influential defender Matt Miazga and midfielder Obinna Nwobodo, while Miles Robinson’s availability remains in doubt. New England Revolution will also be short-handed, with Leo Campana and Matt Polster ruled out and two more players facing late fitness tests.

Orlando City appear particularly hard hit, with five players sidelined, including Duncan McGuire and Wilder Cartagena, and further concerns over Eduard Atuesta and David Brekalo. Toronto FC’s injury list is one of the longest in the league, with six players unavailable, including Djordje Mihailovic and Theo Corbeanu.

Defending MLS Cup contenders LA Galaxy are dealing with injuries to João Klauss, Matheus Nascimento and Erik Thommy, while LAFC will be without three players, including goalkeeper Thomas Hasal. Inter Miami have a shorter injury list but will be missing Mateo Silvetti, while Yannick Bright is suspended following a red card for abusive language.

Expansion side San Diego FC are among the worst affected, with five players ruled out and four more questionable, leaving their squad stretched. Minnesota United also face depth concerns with four players unavailable.

Elsewhere, several clubs, including Chicago Fire, Sporting Kansas City, CF Montréal, Nashville SC, Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, St. Louis CITY SC and Vancouver Whitecaps, have a bye week, offering a timely respite amid the mounting injury toll.

Disciplinary issues will also impact team selection. FC Cincinnati’s Bryan Ramirez is suspended due to yellow card accumulation, while multiple players across the league, including LAFC’s Denis Bouanga and Inter Miami’s Telasco Segovia, are one caution away from a ban.

With squad rotation and depth set to play a decisive role, Matchday 9 could test the resilience of teams across the league as they navigate injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion.

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