Atlanta United’s Hector Villalba has resumed training with the first team and is eligible to be selected for the 18 for Saturday’s game against Montreal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, according to manager Gerardo Martino.
Villalba returned to training with the team on Tuesday. The midfielder/striker didn’t travel with the team for last week’s 2-0 win at the Los Angeles Galaxy after he sustained a strained hamstring three weeks ago. He also didn’t play in the 2-2 draw with NYCFC two weeks ago. Villalba has scored one goal with two assists this season. All came against D.C. United.
Ezequiel Barco made his first start in Villalba’s place as the second striker alongside Josef Martinez against the Galaxy.
Additionally, fullback Jose Hernandez, who suffered a quad injury during the preseason, has resumed running. Martino said Hernandez is close to returning to training with the squad.
