As Inter Miami kicks off a new season with a renamed stadium and a 2-0 MLS opener win against Real Salt Lake, concerns arise over injuries to stars Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez. Despite doubts from fans after lackluster pre-season friendlies, Lionel Messi’s team celebrates a dream start. Messi played the full 90 minutes, but Busquets and Suarez were subbed off due to an ankle knock and chronic knee problem, respectively. On a brighter note, defender Nicolas Freire, previously sidelined with an injury, brings some positive news to the club.
Sergio Busquets suffered a harsh tackle from Vissel Kobe’s Yuya Osako in a pre-season friendly, resulting in an injury. Consequently, he was excluded from the squad against Newell’s Old Boys. Busquets made a return against Real Salt Lake but was replaced by Lawson Sunderland in the 84th minute. Tata Martino addressed concerns about Busquets’ ankle injury after the recent win, stating, “His ankle knock was giving him trouble. It’s nothing serious.” Martino also provided a positive update on the long-injured Nicolas Freire, expressing expectations for him to travel for the upcoming LA Galaxy game.
According to Inter Miami journalist Alex Windley, Luis Suarez seemed okay after the Real Salt Lake game. However, the Uruguayan has been dealing with a persistent knee problem since his surgery in 2020 and previously missed a friendly against Hong Kong due to knee injury concerns. Despite appearing fine, Suarez was subbed by Tata Martino before the final whistle, leaving uncertainty about his condition until the next Inter Miami game. While Martino holds some optimism about Busquets, Suarez, and Freire, additional injuries continue to affect the Herons’ camp.
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