Gonzalo Higuain trains with Inter Miami for first time, not expected to play Wednesday
Gonzalo Higuain was cleared for full training and practiced with his Inter Miami teammates Tuesday, but is not expected to be available for Wednesday night’s home game against the New York Red Bulls.
Higuain, the Argentine forward who joined Miami from Juventus, cannot play until he receives his visa and his international transfer certificate. Coach Diego Alonso said it is unknown whether Higuain will be eligible to play for Sunday’s road game at Philadelphia or whether it will take a bit longer.
“It was really nice to be able to have Gonzalo train with us because up until now, it was almost like he was a zoo animal because we would be inside and watch through the window while he trained by himself,” said Inter Miami captain and goalkeeper Luis Robles. “We could see just how special of a player he is. He’s even more special when you train with him. I still haven’t faced his shot yet, but I’m looking forward to that.”
Robles, who will be playing against his former Red Bulls teammates Wednesday (8 p.m., MyTV33), said the roster finally feels complete with the additions of French World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi and Higuain, who at $7 million per year is the highest-paid player in MLS.
“Everybody can see adding those two players makes us a better group,” Robles said. “It allows us to grow in confidence. We knew at the beginning of the season that come summertime there would be some additions, and we’re getting there. Adding Gonzalo and Blaise solidifies the group…we are getting closer to the iconic club [David Beckham] hopes it to become.”
Robles said Matuidi has already become a leader in the locker room, inspired teammates when he showed them his World Cup championship ring, and has been open to anyone who solicits his advice. Robles has asked for tips on keeping fit.
“You’re talking about two of the most successful players of my generation, so it is a privilege to call them teammates, and now friends,” Robles said.
The two Juventus teammates arrive in time to help Inter Miami aim for a playoff run.
After a rough start to its inaugural season, Inter Miami has lost just one of its past five games. The team is coming off a 2-1 road victory at Atlanta United and is unbeaten at home. Inter Miami FC Stadium will finally have some fans in the seats on Wednesday, as players’ families and staff were invited to attend — the first live audience since the stadium was closed off in March due to COVID-19.
“My kids are excited to see Daddy play against the New York Red Bulls,” said Robles, who spent eight years with that club. “They still sometimes wear Red Bulls gear, but their preference is definitely the black and pink right now. I wore that jersey and badge for a long time. Had some really high highs. It was an incredible experience. Did it end the way I wanted it to? Not necessarily. But it’s sports. Look at Tom Brady, the greatest of all time…
“I shouldn’t be bitter or upset about it. I have to just think about those eight years as being really special not only in my life, but for my family. As I get ready to play them, these are some of the things I think of.”
Defender Andres Reyes will miss Wednesday’s game as he serves a suspension. Forward Robbie Robinson, who was sick and missed the last game, is recovered and available. Alonso said Robinson and Higuain are compatible and could make a good pairing up top once the Argentine is cleared to play.
With 11 games remaining in the regular season, Miami sits one point from a playoff spot. The top 10 teams in the Eastern Conference advance to the playoffs.
MLS on Tuesday announced the final nine games of the regular season. Miami will play home vs. New York City FC on Oct. 3, away at the New York Red Bulls on Oct. 7, home vs. Houston on Oct. 10, home vs. Atlanta on Oct. 14, away at Montreal on Oct. 17, home vs. Orlando City on Oct. 24 (Univision, 3:30 p.m.), away against Dallas on Oct. 28, away at Toronto on Nov. 1 (TSN, 7:30 p.m.) and will close the regular season at home against Cincinnati on MLS Decision Day Nov. 8.
On that day, all 26 teams will be in action and game results could have major implications on the MLS Golden Boot, Supporters’ Shield, and seedings for the Audi 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs. On Decision Day, the 14 Eastern Conference teams will kick off in seven simultaneous games at 3:30 p.m. before the 12 Western Conference teams kick off in six simultaneous games at 6:30 p.m.
This story was originally published September 22, 2020 at 2:43 PM.