Inter Miami

Inter Miami forward Leo Campana expected back for Charlotte game after injury scare

Inter Miami CF forward Leonardo Campana (9) celebrates after scoring a goal against Atlanta United FC during the first half of their MLS soccer match at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday, April 24, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Inter Miami CF forward Leonardo Campana (9) celebrates after scoring a goal against Atlanta United FC during the first half of their MLS soccer match at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday, April 24, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. mocner@miamiherald.com

There is good news for Inter Miami fans, following a disastrous 2-0 road loss to the New England Revolution Saturday night.

Forward Leo Campana, who had scored five goals in the previous four games, should be fit for Saturday’s road game at Charlotte FC after leaving the Revolution game with a lower leg injury in the 11th minute. The sight of Campana on the bench was disheartening for the team, as he had become one of the league’s most exciting forwards since replacing injured Gonzalo Higuain in the starting lineup.

“Leo’s been our figurehead,” coach Phil Neville said after the game, adding that his early departure from the game had a big impact on the squad. The coach said Campana felt “tightness” in his lower leg and that the severity was unknown. A team source said it does not appear serious and the Ecuadorean forward is likely to play on Saturday.

The status of Higuain (quad contusion) and Robbie Robinson (foot injury) is unknown.

The injury to center back Aime Mabika may take longer to heal, Neville said. Mabika grabbed at his hamstring before leaving the game, and injuries of that nature can take weeks to overcome. If Mabika cannot play, Miami’s back line will be decimated as starter Damion Lowe and backup Jairo Quinteros both were ejected from the Revolution game with a pair of yellow cards and are suspended for the Charlotte game.

The club could appeal one or both of the second yellows to try and get Lowe and/or Quinteros reinstated. Neville said first-round draft pick Ryan Sailor could be called into duty. He was injured in the preseason and played with the club’s second team, Inter Miami CF II, on Sunday.

Michelle Kaufman
Miami Herald
Miami Herald sportswriter Michelle Kaufman has covered 14 Olympics, six World Cups, Wimbledon, U.S. Open, NCAA Basketball Tournaments, NBA Playoffs, Super Bowls and has been the soccer writer and University of Miami basketball beat writer for 25 years. She was born in Frederick, Md., and grew up in Miami.
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