Atlanta United’s Leandro Gonzalez Pirez returned to training Friday for the first time since sustaining a right hip contusion in last week’s 4-0 loss at Houston.
Atlanta United (0-1-0) will host D.C. United (0-0-1) on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Gonzalez Pirez, 26, started 32 games for Atlanta United last season. He sustained the injury in the first half of last week’s game while stopping Alberth Elis on a counterattack.
Gonzalez Pirez worked out individually while the rest of the team went through drills. He joined the team for the first half of a scrimmage at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Manager Gerardo Martino said that they won’t make a decision on Gonzalez Pirez’s availability until after the participates in training Saturday. Midfielder Brandon Vazquez is dealing with what Martino said is a minor muscle injury and won’t be among those players competing for a spot in the 18.
“We know what Leandro’s about,” goalkeeper Brad Guzan said. “It’s just a matter of monitoring himself and making sure he’s able to go. I’m sure that will be a discussion between he and the trainers. He’s an important part for us.”
Fullback Greg Garza said he thought Gonzalez Pirez looked good during Friday’s session.
“He’s definitely a guy who has a large presence on the field,” Garza said. “It’s very good that he’s back with us. Hopefully he can play the whole entire game.”
If Gonzalez Pirez can’t, Martino likely will re-insert Michael Parkhurst into the starting lineup and play him alongside Jeff Larentowicz. Parkhurst came in for Gonzalez Pirez following his injury against Houston. Parkhurst, the team captain, started 33 games last season, but missed most of training camp with an injury. He said that he feels fine following the Houston game.
The team could also switch from a four-man back line to a three-man back line. It’s a formation adjustment the team made several times last season and did work on it again during training camp.
Martino wouldn’t say if it’s something the team will use Sunday. He did say that it’s good that they can use either one.
