The Inter Miami midfielder picked up knock in preseason and has not yet returned to full fitness.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Feb 28th, 2024 11:51 EST0
PHILIP FONGAFP
Sergio Busquets has played more than 900 games over the course of his trophy-laden professional career. The Spanish midfield was a regular for Barcelona for 15 seasons and he has established himself as a key player for Inter Miami.
He remains expert at dictating the pace of a game, but a long career at the highest level has taken its toll on his physical qualities. The 35-year-old picked up an ankle injury in a preseason friendly against Vissel Kobe.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s derby game against Orlando City, Busquets revealed that he is still feeling the effects of the knock.
“I feel good. I think that for me it was difficult after Japan, after the injury, to find the right feeling on the field again because I am not at 100%,” he explained.
🤕 Busquets No Está al 100 Por Ciento!Sergio Busquets admitted this morning he is not yet fully healthy after suffering an ankle injury in preseason.He said he is limited in some movements but expects to be “perfect” in next 7 to 10 days.#InterMiamiCF #Messi𓃵 pic.twitter.com/TEKk6VkAeb
— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) February 28, 2024
“Little by little I have felt better physically, the ankle is no longer so swollen and it allows me to do more things. It still bothers me a little, I’m playing bandaged, with treatments,” Busquets explained.
Busquets sets sights on derby clash
Inter Miami got the 2024 MLS campaign off to a solid start, picking up four points from a home game against Real Salt Lake and a trip to LA Galaxy. The next game for the Herons is a derby game against Orlando City, who were one of the best teams in the regular season in 2023.
Orlando finished second to FC Cincinnati in the Supporters’ Shield standings and appear to have strengthened well over the off-season. Busquets is fully aware of the task at hand this Saturday.
“Orlando is a great team that already had a great season last season in MLS and that has continued to strengthen very well with players from both Europe and from here in the league. I’m sure it will be a very very competitive derby and I hope it falls in our favour because we play at home with our fans,” he added.
