ATLANTA — Josef Martínez, who has not played with Atlanta United since June 1, is expected to return for the Five Stripes’ next game, at the Chicago Fire on Wednesday.
“We know Josef, and he wants to score goals,” manager Frank de Boer said after Atlanta’s 2-1 win over the Montreal Impact Saturday. “He will be traveling. I will talk to him. Don’t take any unnecessary risks, of course, but he is training tomorrow.”
Martínez has been away with the Venezuela men’s national team at the Copa America in Brazil. Venezuela made a quarterfinal run before bowing out against Argentina. Martínez, MLS’ record holder for goals in a single season, played as a substitute in three of La Vinotinto’s four games and scored one goal in the tournament.
“I guarantee we’re getting a hungrier player back,” Jeff Larentowicz said after the Montreal game. “Josef is a guy that’s always playing when he’s here, and he goes away with Venezuela and he has a different role for that team, so I’m sure he’s coming back into his domain, feeling hungry.
“It’s good for us. … I think to have a hungry player like that — Josef already is naturally that way — but I think he’ll be itching to get back on the field.”
Martínez has 13 goals in 19 games across all competitions for Atlanta in 2019. He has scored five goals in his past three MLS games.
The scheduled return is unlucky for Chicago. Martínez’s last MLS appearance before joining Venezuela came against the Fire. He scored both goals in Atlanta’s 2-0 win.