Atlanta United, USMNT center back Miles Robinson ruptures Achilles tendon

UPDATE (May 9) – Atlanta United confirmed Monday that center back Miles Robinson has suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon and will undergo surgery.

While no recovery timeline was provided, the US men's national team defender is expected to be out long-term.

“We are devastated for Miles,” USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said. “He had established himself as a top performer throughout last year and World Cup Qualifying. We will be thinking of him and wishing him a successful recovery process.”

ORIGINAL (May 7) – Atlanta United and US men's national team fans are holding their collective breath after center back Miles Robinson suffered a non-contact injury in Saturday's 4-1 win over Chicago Fire FC.

Robinson went down in the 14th minute and was stretchered off the Mercedes-Benz Stadium pitch, slamming the turf in notable frustration while pointing toward his left leg.

Head coach Gonzalo Pineda said postgame Robinson will undergo an MRI on his Achilles tendon.

"I think it's going to be a bad injury," Pineda said on the halftime broadcast. "I hope it's not, so let's see after the tests. But very unfortunate injury."

The 25-year-old played a key role in the USMNT's successful 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign, and has been ever-present in the Five Stripes' backline since the 2019 campaign.

ATLUTD have weathered a constant storm of injuries this year, with goalkeeper Brad Guzan (Achilles) and midfielder Ozzie Alonso (ACL) both out for the year. Star striker Josef Martinez (knee) remains out, too.

Robinson was captaining Atlanta, making the injury especially difficult to witness.

"Just heartbreaking," said right back Brooks Lennon. "In the first half, it really shook us as a team. It took us 15-20 minutes to kind of regroup. I don’t know if you could tell when he went down, we were losing possession of the ball. I think we were all kind of stunned. We’re praying for him, we wish him a speedy recovery. Just another blow to the team, which is not great for us."