• Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez could be sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against Nashville SC on Saturday during the first weekend of the MLS season.
  • The Venezuelan went down clutching his knee in the 63rd minute after a minor clash with David Romney, shortly after which he was stretchered from the field.
  • “Martinez will undergo surgery on a date to be determined to begin the rehabilitation process,” a club statement read.
  • No date has yet been given for his return, though the 26-year-old is now likely to be out for the remainder of year, according to MLS Soccer.
  • Martinez is one of the MLS’ most revered strikers, having scored 90 times in 103 games since joining Atlanta from Italian side Torino in 2017.
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Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez could be sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the opening round of the MLS season Saturday.

The Venezuelan went down clutching and pointing at his knee in the 63rd minute during Atlanta’s 2-1 win over Nashville SC on Saturday after a minor clash with defender David Romney.

Atlanta’s medical team immediately rushed to his attention, and though the 26-year old tried to play on, he was eventually stretchered off the field six minutes later.

“Josef Martinez suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Saturday’s match against Nashville SC,” a club statement read.

"Martinez will undergo surgery on a date to be determined to begin the rehabilitation process."

Josef Martinez v New England Revolution

Foto: Martinez in action for Atlanta United against New England Revolution during last season's MLS playoffs. Source: Reuters/John David Mercer

Though the full extent of Martinez's injury is yet unknown, he is likely to be sidelined for the remainder of season, according to the official MLS website.

Martinez is one the MLS' deadliest strikers, having scored 90 goals in 103 appearances for Atalanta since joining the club from Italian side Torino in 2017.

He also won both the Golden Boot and MVP award in 2018 when Atlanta lifted the MLS Cup.

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