Atlanta United will be without five veteran players when New York City FC visits Mercedes-Benz Stadium Saturday night, but the latest Atlanta United availability report also leaves plenty of room for intrigue.
Miguel Almirón, Júnior Alonso, Paulo Díaz, Alexey Miranchuk and Fafa Picault are all listed as out due to international duty, leaving the 5-Stripes without several experienced pieces for an important Eastern Conference matchup.
But Atlanta’s situation isn’t simply about who’s missing.
It’s also about who remains available — and which younger players could get a chance to step into larger roles.
Atlanta United’s Depth Gets Its Biggest Test
Two players who received international call-ups will remain with Atlanta United for Saturday’s match.
Breel Embolo and Cooper Sanchez are both expected to stay with the 5-Stripes rather than leave the club during the international window, giving head coach Tata Martino additional options as he works through the absences.
Martino has already indicated that Daniel Chica and Cameron Dunbar are preparing to receive Short-Term Agreements.
Both players have been important contributors for Atlanta United 2, which recently qualified for the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs for the first time in club history.
Now, the question is whether Chica and Dunbar are the only reinforcements Atlanta turns to with five First Team players unavailable.
The answer could have a significant impact on how Martino builds his lineup against NYCFC.
Tomás Jacob’s Status Adds Another Question
One of the more notable details from Friday’s availability report is what isn’t on it.
Tomás Jacob is not listed among Atlanta United’s unavailable players.
The fullback was forced off during last Saturday’s match against the Portland Timbers after suffering an injury. His availability would provide a potentially important boost to an Atlanta defense already facing the absence of Alonso and Díaz.
If Jacob is ready to play, Atlanta would have another experienced option available as Martino reshuffles the defensive group.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Jacob will start, but his omission from the availability report gives Atlanta another piece to work with heading into Saturday’s match.
Atlanta United Availability Report — Friday, September 25
| Player | Injury/Reason | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Miguel Almirón | International Duty | Out |
| Júnior Alonso | International Duty | Out |
| Paulo Díaz | International Duty | Out |
| Alexey Miranchuk | International Duty | Out |
| Fafa Picault | International Duty | Out |
Five First Team players are officially unavailable, but the situation surrounding the rest of the roster could make Saturday’s lineup particularly interesting.
For Atlanta United, this is the kind of match where depth has to become more than a talking point.
Players who normally have supporting roles could suddenly be asked to carry more responsibility. Young players could receive meaningful minutes. And players like Embolo and Sanchez have an opportunity to show why they remain valuable options during a difficult stretch of the schedule.
With NYCFC coming to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta doesn’t have the luxury of treating the international window as an excuse.
The absences are significant. The response will be just as important.
Community Spotlight: Staying Ready When Plans Change
Atlanta United’s availability report is a reminder that plans can change quickly. With five veterans unavailable and several other players facing opportunities to take on larger roles, the 5-Stripes have to be prepared to adjust. Having reliable options available when something unexpected happens can make a difference both on the field and at home.
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What This Means
Atlanta United is down five veterans, but the club still has options.
The availability of Embolo and Sanchez, potential Short-Term Agreements for Chica and Dunbar, and Jacob’s status could all shape Martino’s approach.
For Atlanta fans, Saturday’s match may provide an early look at just how much depth the 5-Stripes can rely on when their most experienced players aren’t available.
Who should step up for Atlanta United against NYCFC? Let us know in the comments, and share this story with another 5-Stripes fan.
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ASN TAKE
Five international absences make this a challenging availability situation for Atlanta United, but the bigger story may be the opportunity it creates.
Embolo and Sanchez staying with the club gives Martino additional options, while Chica and Dunbar could provide a younger spark through Short-Term Agreements. Jacob’s availability could also be important defensively.
This isn’t just a list of who’s missing — it’s a test of how Atlanta United’s depth responds when the usual veterans aren’t available.
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Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.
