Inter Miami faces a defensive crisis as they prepare to host the Columbus Crew on Saturday night, with key fullback Jordi Alba sidelined by a hamstring injury, according to the MLS Player Status Report for Matchday 17. Alba, one of three former FC Barcelona teammates of Lionel Messi on Miami’s roster, will miss only his second MLS game this season. However, his absence, alongside other defensive injuries, comes at a critical juncture as the Herons aim to climb the Eastern Conference standings and gear up for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Joining Alba on the injury list are defender Gonzalo Lujan (hamstring) and defensive midfielder Yannick Bright (hamstring). The trio has been integral to Miami’s campaign, combining for 41 MLS appearances and 35 starts this season. Their absence exacerbates an already shaky defense, which has struggled significantly in recent weeks.
Defensive Woes at a Critical Time
Saturday’s match is Inter Miami’s final competitive fixture before their Group A campaign in the FIFA Club World Cup, where they will face Al Ahly on June 14, Porto on June 19, and Palmeiras on June 23. The timing of these injuries couldn’t be worse for a team that has conceded multiple goals in eight of their last nine matches across all competitions since late April, leaking 25 goals in total. This defensive frailty has led to a disappointing run of just two wins in that stretch, causing Miami (7-3-5, 26 points) to slide to sixth in the Eastern Conference.
In contrast, the Columbus Crew (7-2-7, 28 points), sitting two places above Miami, arrive in South Florida with momentum and possibly a score to settle. In their last meeting on April 19, Miami secured a 1-0 victory in a “home” game for Columbus at Cleveland’s NFL stadium. However, the Crew dominated the match, outshooting Miami 19-7 and generating 2.9 expected goals, per Opta data, suggesting the Herons’ clean sheet was more fortunate than earned. It remains Miami’s last shutout of the season.
A Test Before the World Stage
With Alba, Lujan, and Bright out, Inter Miami’s depleted backline faces a stern test against a Columbus side eager to capitalize on their vulnerabilities. A strong performance is crucial not only for climbing the Eastern Conference table but also for building confidence ahead of their Club World Cup debut. The Herons will need to address their defensive issues swiftly to avoid further setbacks in this pivotal stretch of the season.