David Villa, Ronald Matarrita return to training

After being a last minute scratch against the San Jose Earthquakes due to an apparent groin injury, David Villa has returned to training for New York City FC. Villa — who is at the ripe age of 36 — has missed the last three matches in a row, the first two being a result of a calf injury. And though they’ve made due in the meantime with the tremendous goalscoring contributions of one Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, City is going to need a more clinical scoring threat if they wish to remain unbeaten and continue to put pressure on both the Eastern Conference and MLS as a whole.

Also returning to the training ground is left back Ronald Matarrita. The young Costa Rican has dealt with a plethora of fitness issues since last. Matarrita played only 12 games in 2017 and received a hamstring injury in NYCFC’s second season matchup against Orlando City, once again putting him back on the mend. And with his date with the World Cup fast approaching — and the rising stock of Ben Sweat — Mata should be relieved to be back in action moving forward.

It is, at this time, unknown whether or not Villa and Matarrita will be available for NYCFC’s upcoming matchup against Real Salt Lake on April 11. But seeing both stars — including Alex Ring — back in action on the training pitch is definitely an encouraging and bodes well for their chances of making the squad against the dangerous Atlanta United on April 15.