Sergio Busquets reveals extent of ankle injury ahead of Orlando City clash

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.

“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.

The Turnpike Derby looks set to become a real battle at the top of the Eastern Conference this year. Inter Miami are many experts’ tip for the MLS Cup title, while Orlando are coming into this season off the back of a best-ever regular season finish in 2023.

Busquets explains: “These derbies are always important, they are always intense. There is a lot of competitive instinct and I believe that the level of this derby is getting higher every time.”