MIAMI GARDENS, United States, June 14, (AFP): Inter Miami will be without their Spanish international left back Jordi Alba for the opening game of the Club World Cup on Saturday (6:00 am today Bangladesh time) against Egypt's Al Ahly.
Miami coach Javier Mascherano told a press conference on Friday that the former Barcelona defender would have to sit out the Group A match at Hard Rock Stadium.
In another blow for the Major League Soccer club, defensive midfielder Yannick Bright has also been ruled out of the opener for the 32-team tournament.
"Jordi and Yannick are not available for this game but hopefully they will be for the second game," said the Argentine coach.
Miami will play Porto on Thursday in Atlanta before closing out the group stage against Brazil's Palmeiras back in South Florida.
Alba, who has a leg muscle injury, will be a major absence for Mascherano not only for his defensive abilities but for his role as one of the main providers of quality service to Lionel Messi.
Bright has delivered some physical presence to the midfield alongside the wily but ageing Sergio Busquets.
"Obviously we would have loved to have everyone fit for this game and have our full roster, that would allow us to be stronger," added Mascherano, who again expressed disappointment that the club had not been able to add new players as reinforcements for the tournament.
Despite the setbacks, the former Barcelona and Liverpool midfielder said his team were relishing the challenge of playing on the international stage. "This is a unique competition and we are privileged to be a part of it. We are here thanks to what we did last year and I think it is a huge opportunity to test each other out and see what our level is," he added.
Miami were handed a place in the tournament as the representative of the host nation thanks to winning the MLS Supporters' Shield which is awarded for the team with the best regular season record.
Club Cup Schedule
Today's Matches: Al Ahly vs Inter Miami 6:00 am (BST);
Bayarn vs Auckland City 10:00 pm (BST)
