MLS expert Matt Doyle has suggested that Inter Miami are no longer favorites for the Supporters’ Shield title after their latest injury blow.
The Herons remain top of the standings despite seeing their unbeaten run come to an end this week against Atlanta United, with FC Cincinnati also losing midweek at home against Nashville SC.
With Lionel Messi seeing one of his most incredible records finally come to an end, it’s been a rough few days for Inter Miami, who head into this weekend’s tie against St. Louis City SC in need of a big result.
Yet the Florida franchise have now been told they’re no longer favorites for the MLS title due to one injury.
Inter Miami to struggle as Nicolas Freire suffers season-ending injury
Speaking on MLS Extratime, Doyle suggested that Nicolas Freire’s season-ending injury has seen Inter Miami’s bid to win the Supporters’ Shield take a massive hit given how good the Argentine is.
The defender has been one of Inter Miami’s key players this season, and Freire now spending the entire year out with an ACL injury could now see the Herons lose valuable ground in the race for the top spot in MLS.
Doyle said when asked if Inter Miami are still favorites after Freire’s injury: “I don’t think there is a prohibitive favorite, but if Nicolas Freire doesn’t do his ACL, I would have said Miami. I think he was their best defender by a pretty decent margin this season.
“The chain reaction of losing Freire has brought Miami to the pack to the point where I don’t think there’s a favorite between them and Cincinnati. I’m still picking Miami, but it’s not by a lot.”
Inter Miami have to replace Freire as soon as possible
Freire’s injury could not have come at a worse time for Inter Miami, who this season have been plagued with fitness issues despite how deep Tata Martino’s squad is compared to their MLS rivals.
With Inter Miami’s defense as leaky as it is, the Herons simply can’t manage for the rest of their season with their current options, and replacing Freire must be viewed as a priority.
Luckily, with the transfer window soon opening, Inter Miami will have a chance to bring in a replacement for Freire, and the Florida franchise should be doing all they can to bring as good a signing as possible.