Inter Miami CF head coach, Gerardo Martino, has officially announced that Jordi Alba will not be participating in the forthcoming match against CF Montréal scheduled for Saturday at Saputo Stadium.
Martino also addressed circulating transfer rumors surrounding the player amidst ongoing injury concerns.
Alba, the Spanish defender, has been sidelined since the team's 3-2 victory over Sporting Kansas City on April 13, during which he exited the field in the second half due to injury concerns.
Subsequent assessments revealed a right-leg injury, which has kept him off the field for over four weeks.
“Jordi Alba is now training with normality, but we'll take another match to avoid any threats,” Martino stated.
Martino reiterated that even if there were intentions to pursue high-profile signings, the current regulations within Major League Soccer would pose significant obstacles to such endeavors.
“I'll echo everything I've said about Di María, I will repeat: there is no need for me to talk about the quality that Ángel has, but even though the transfer window opens in two months I am having trouble understanding the way Inter Miami could sign him.”
“I don't have much to say, it's not a question about sporting capabilities. There's no doubt there. But very specific situations need to happen for us to be able to sign him because Miami already has a roster that is compliant with the roles MLS requires. And we do not have any way to bring any other figure like Ángel or others until the rules change. For the time being, it will be difficult to bring on anyone.”
“Reporters ask me [if I want] players like [Radamel] Falcao and Di María that are considered sacred, it's almost an insult that I have to give my approval to players that have made history.”
“They are players that don't require my talking about their capabilities as football players. The transfer window opens in two months, and right now we are focused on the tournament, the current roster and the players coming back from injuries. We are focused on getting points as the Copa América and Olympics approach. We are not focused on the reinforcements.”