Inter Miami have an important match forward towards Nashville SC on Saturday, aiming for a victory that may ship them to the Main League Soccer Japanese Convention semifinals. Three days earlier than the sport, Jordi Alba raised considerations for Lionel Messi and the remainder of the squad.
Alba was lacking from Wednesday’s coaching session with the remainder of the group, in keeping with journalist Jose Armando, who reported the information on his X account. The Spanish left again was not seen alongside Messi, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo De Paul, all of whom skilled usually below Javier Mascherano and his employees.
“He had a relaxation day and labored out within the gymnasium,” the reporter later added about Jordi. The explanation behind his surprising absence was a joint determination with the teaching employees to guard the participant’s health and guarantee he’s in prime situation for Saturday’s match.
Lastly, Jose Armando supplied a reassuring replace: “Jordi Alba is okay… He must be out there for the weekend,” he wrote. That’s encouraging information for the Herons, given Alba’s significance to the group and the magnitude of the upcoming playoff conflict — though it’s not but an official affirmation.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano.
What are Inter Miami’s choices if Alba isn’t out there?
If Jordi Alba’s state of affairs takes a flip for the more serious and he fails to recuperate in time to rejoin his teammates, Javier Mascherano will probably be compelled to search for alternate options to exchange him. That will be uncommon, contemplating the Spanish star has featured in 47 of Inter Miami’s 53 matches in 2025, lacking simply six video games throughout all competitions — together with Main League Soccer, the Concacaf Champions Cup, the FIFA Membership World Cup, and the Leagues Cup.
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In 4 of these six matches with out Alba this yr, his substitute was Noah Allen. Within the different two, the position was crammed by gamers who’re not with the membership — Hector David Martinez and Benjamin Cremaschi.
This implies Allen is the main candidate to begin at left again if Alba can’t play. The problem, nevertheless, is that the younger American defender has lately been enjoying as a middle again, which might drive Mascherano to regulate the again line and introduce one other participant in central protection.
What does Inter Miami want to achieve the semifinals?
The MLS playoff format requires two wins — both in regulation time or on penalties — to advance to the semifinals. After final Friday’s 3–1 victory, Inter Miami have already achieved half the job.
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Nonetheless, they will’t afford to calm down. This Saturday, they have to defeat Nashville SC on the highway to keep away from a decisive third match at Chase Stadium, which might decide who advances to the subsequent spherical.
