Report: Ezequiel Barco set to return to Atlanta United training next week

Atlanta Uniteds showcase offseason acquisition Ezequiel Barco could rejoin team training next week, head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said on Thursday.

The subject of what was reportedly the most expensive transfer fee in MLS history, Barco joined the Five Stripes from Argentinean side Independiente amid great hoopla and excitement over the winter, only to suffer a quad injury at the end of preseason thats sidelined him for the first month of the season.

Martino added that he wishes he had the 19-year-old playmaker available this week, with his side hit by injury and suspension for LAFCs visit to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday (5 pm ET; ESPN — full TV & streaming info), the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Atlanta must do without defenders Leandro Gonzalez Pirez (red-card suspension) and Franco Escobar (concussion), while fullback Greg Garzas availability is in doubt due to a shoulder injury suffered in last week’s win at Minnesota United.

Martino also noted that influential holding midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, who picked up an ankle knock in Minnesota, has been training and is expected to be fit for the LAFC match.