NYCFC release extensive injury list ahead of Columbus match

As expected, New York City FC will be a bit shorthanded going into tomorrow’s matchup against the always formidable Columbus Crew. But the news isn’t all bad.

Alex Callens, who sustained a knee injury quite some weeks ago, has been upgraded to ‘Questionable’ ahead of the game against the Crew. While this is encouraging news, I still expect Sebastien Ibeagha to start in his place pending some further evaluation. Additionally, Taty Castellanos has been cleared by the team’s doctors and has been a full participant in training this week. Given Domé Torrent’s fondness of the young Argentine, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get the starting nod tomorrow night.

Jesus Medina and Jo Inge Berget remain out due to hamstring and adductor injuries respectively, with Torrent saying that both players are likely 2-3 weeks away from being match fit. Both have featured extensively for NYCFC this season and their presences will definitely be felt should the Blues not compensate well enough

On the suspension front, both Eloi Amagat and Ebenezer Ofori will miss NYCFC’s trip to Ohio due to them both receiving red cards against the New York Red Bulls last week. Though NYCFC might have had a case to appeal Ofori’s suspension, they have elected not to and will have to look for other options in the midfield.

Ronald Matarrita, on the other hand, has served his red card suspension in full and will not receive further discipline from MLS for his ugly tackle at the end of the Houston Dynamo game a few weeks back. Though I feel Ben Sweat has fully eclipsed the young Costa Rican as the starting left back at this point, Mata is still a valuable player to have and can provide City with a much-needed boost should they require as much, whether it be at left back or on the wing. Definitely a good player to have in your arsenal, especially given the absences of so many others.

Despite them all receiving call-ups to their respective national teams for next week’s friendlies, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, Maxime Chanot, and Rodney Wallace were not listed as unavailable for selection.