Troubles for NYCFC: injury for Maxi Moralez

New York City FC manager Ronny Deila revealed in a press conference that offensive midfielder Maxi Moralez would not be present in Tuesday's group stage game against Orlando City. According to Deila, Moralez has suffered a quad injury and will have an MRI today. As for Maxi's return to play, Deila said the star Designated Player could be out for "many weeks" pending the MRI results.

The absence of Maxi is very heavy for New York. Moralez is one of the most important players on the team, one of the leaders and his absence can make him feel very much in a team that has no alternative but to win.

Ronny Deila must also study how to replace Maxi. Among the midfielders there are no valid alternatives, the only realistic replacement that could be Taty Castellanos who has shown taste when deployed in central attack positions in the past. Other options could be Keaton Parks, Gedion Zelalem or the rarely seen Juan Pablo Torres.