Inter Miami could reportedly replace Nicolas Freire with an academy graduate after the defender suffered a season-ending injury.
The Argentine center-back went down in Saturday’s 1-0 win against DC United with Inter Miami since confirming that Freire has suffered an ACL injury, ruling the 30-year-old for the rest of the year.
Having just gotten settled in the Inter Miami system, the on-loan Pumas defender’s season has now come crashing down in heartbreaking fashion, with the Herons now short in the central defensive position.
Yet the Florida franchise could now turn to an option from the academy.
Ian Fray set for Inter Miami return after Freire injury
According to Michelle Kaufman, Inter Miami youngster Ian Fray is set to return to action this weekend after returning to training having suffered back-to-back ACL injuries.
Having been out since Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami debut, Fray’s comeback could not have come at a better time for the Herons, with the 21-year-old defender likely to feature for the Florida franchise this weekend.
Kaufman said: “Freire is out, but the good news is that Ian Fray, a rising talent who has had the worst luck with his knees, is expected to return this week, if not for Vancouver then for Atlanta.
“He has shown in his few games with Inter Miami that he has incredible potential, he’s a local guy who’s a great talent, but he’s had back-to-back ACL surgeries. He’s played for the second team and he’s played well, so don’t be surprised, especially with Freire out, that Fray now comes in and gets minutes.”
Fray will want to be cautious about returning to MLS action too soon
Having played just 29 minutes of MLS Next Pro action this season, it’s safe to say that Fray still has some ways to go before he’s ready to return to senior action with Inter Miami.
The defender is lucky his career is still on track after suffering two ACL injuries already at the age of 21, with most players barely recovering from one case of such an injury.
As a result, Inter Miami must be cautious with rushing Fray back too soon, with the youngster in need of the best possible care before returning to the pitch with the senior team.