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Josef Martinez likely to play Sunday, even if Martino has to 'cut off' injured fingers

Martino gave an update on Martinez's status on Friday, two days after Martinez left practice with a large cast on his left arm.
Credit: Brett Davis
Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

ATLANTA -- Atlanta United FC manager Tata Martino expects Josef Martinez to play in Sunday's game against New York FC despite some pain in his fingers.

Martino gave an update on Martinez's status on Friday, two days after Martinez left practice with a large cast on his left arm. He returned to the practice pitch on Thursday, but continued to play with a cast. On Friday, Martinez practice with the first team. Julian Gressel said that Martinez played with a small cast again during practice.

"[Martinez] is good to play. He has some pain in a couple of fingers. If he still has pain, we'll have to cut off the fingers and he'll be good to play," Martino said in his typical witty responses to the media.

Martinez is the team's primary striker and has scored 24 goals in his first 25 games, an MLS record.

He missed 10 games last season with a thigh injury he suffered during international duty. He's not expected to miss any time while recovering from this injury, which is a relief to team which is in the midst of a four-game winning streak.

According to Martino, Martinez suffered the injury when he collided with Leandro González Pírez.

The 24-year-old Venezuelan has five goals this season.

Ezequiel Barco, who was the most expensive signing in MLS history, returned to practice this week. Martino was unsure if he would start in the game or make his debut coming off the bench.

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