Inter Miami CF has confirmed that new defensive signing Sergio Reguilón has sustained a Grade II knee sprain in his right leg, casting a shadow over the club’s preseason preparations and raising immediate questions about the left-back position ahead of the 2026 Major League Soccer campaign.
The official diagnosis was delivered in a club statement after the Spanish defender underwent comprehensive medical examinations.
The injury occurred during the team’s preseason opener against Alianza Lima in Peru on January 24th. Reguilón, making his first appearance for the Herons since joining the club, was forced to leave the pitch in the 13th minute following a challenge that left him in clear distress.
He required immediate attention from the medical staff before being substituted, with Facundo Mura taking his place as head coach Javier Mascherano reshuffled his defensive line.
In its brief update, presented by Baptist Health, the club provided a clear diagnosis but offered no fixed timeline for the defender’s return, stating only that “his timeline for returning to the field will be determined as his recovery progresses”.
However, the nature of a Grade II sprain typically involves a recovery period of four to six weeks, according to general medical timelines for such injuries.
This prognosis suggests Reguilón is likely to miss the remainder of Inter Miami’s preseason tour and places his availability for the MLS season opener against Los Angeles FC on February 21st in significant doubt.
The setback represents a considerable blow for both player and club. Reguilón, a former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United defender, was signed to be the natural successor to veteran Jordi Alba and was expected to solidify the left side of defense.
His absence now forces Manager Javier Mascherano to reconsider his defensive plans with the start of the season rapidly approaching.
During the 2025 season, Noah Allen emerged as the primary backup option for the left-back role and is now the most probable candidate to fill the void, though the coach may also consider tactical adjustments, such as switching to a back-three formation.
The injury to a key offseason acquisition so early in his Inter Miami tenure introduces an element of adversity as the team aims to defend its MLS Cup title. All eyes will now be on the club’s medical team and the progression of Reguilón’s rehabilitation in the coming weeks.