Good news is starting to become a habit for the 5-Stripes. As the squad prepares to welcome D.C. United to Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Saturday, the medical staff has provided a refreshing update: the availability report remains one of the shortest in the league.
With only three names listed on Friday’s report, Tata Martino has a wealth of tactical options at his disposal. Here is how the squad is shaping up for the weekend.
The Availability Report: Friday, March 20
| Player | Injury/Reason | Status |
| Juan Berrocal | Hamstring | Questionable |
| Will Reilly | Hamstring | Out |
| Sergio Santos | Illness | Out |
Defensive Shuffles: The Berrocal Question
The biggest question mark remains over Spanish center-back Juan Berrocal. After pulling up in training last week with a hamstring tweak, he is officially listed as questionable. While losing a player of his caliber is never ideal, the depth of the 5-Stripes’ backline this season means Tata has reliable cover if Berrocal isn’t quite 100% by kickoff.
Meanwhile, Will Reilly continues his recovery from a separate hamstring issue and will miss out on Saturday’s contest alongside Sergio Santos, who is sidelined with a sudden illness.
The Return of the Engine: Jay Fortune Update
Perhaps the most exciting news out of Thursday’s media availability is the status of Jay Fortune. The midfielder is officially off the injury report after a grueling recovery from a long-term foot injury.
Coach Martino confirmed that Fortune is set to follow the same blueprint as last weekend: getting another 45 minutes of game action with Atlanta United 2 to sharpen his match fitness. Fortune spoke candidly about the emotional journey of returning to the pitch:
“I went through about three days of both fear and excitement… It was great. Had the butterflies, had the excitement, had the enjoyment of going through it. Those are all things, as a footballer, that you want to feel.”
With Fortune nearing a First Team return, the Atlanta midfield is about to get a massive boost in creativity and energy just as the season starts to hit its stride.
Related ASN Coverage
- Tactical Preview: How Atlanta United Matches Up Against D.C.’s High Press
- The Road Back: Inside Jay Fortune’s Journey from Injury to the Pitch
- Player Spotlight: Who Steps Up if Berrocal Sits Out Against D.C.?
ASN Call to Action:
With Jay Fortune almost back in the mix, where do you think he fits into Tata’s current starting XI? Does he slide right back into the midfield, or does he have to fight his way into the rotation? Let us know your thoughts below! #ATLUTD #UniteAndConquer #MLS #InjuryReport #AtlantaSoccerNews #5Stripes
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.