Inter Miami will be without key players Jordi Alba and Yannick Bright when they kick off their Club World Cup campaign against Egyptian giants Al Ahly on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium.
Head coach, Javier Mascherano, confirmed during Friday’s press conference that Spanish left-back Alba, a former Barcelona standout, will miss the Group A clash due to a leg muscle injury.
“Jordi and Yannick are not available for this game but hopefully they will be for the second game,” the Argentine tactician told reporters.
In addition to Alba’s absence, the team will also be missing midfield enforcer Yannick Bright, further depleting the squad ahead of the 32-team tournament’s opening fixture.
Alba’s absence is seen as a significant loss not just defensively, but also for his connection with Lionel Messi, as the veteran fullback has been one of the key providers of service to the Argentine star.
Bright, meanwhile, has offered strength in the center of the park alongside experienced playmaker Sergio Busquets.
“Obviously we would have loved to have everyone fit for this game and have our full roster, that would allow us to be stronger,” Mascherano added.
Despite the early injury setbacks, Mascherano remains optimistic and focused on the bigger picture.
“This is a unique competition and we are privileged to be a part of it. We are here thanks to what we did last year and I think it is a huge opportunity to test each other out and see what our level is,” he said.
Inter Miami earned a spot in the tournament as the host nation’s representative after finishing the Major League Soccer regular season with the best record, which secured them the MLS Supporters’ Shield.
However, they fell short of winning the MLS Cup, exiting in the first round of the playoffs to Atlanta, while LA Galaxy went on to claim the title.
Following Saturday’s game, Miami will travel to Atlanta to face Portuguese side FC Porto on Thursday before returning to South Florida to wrap up the group stage against Brazilian club Palmeiras.
