Inter Miami face Club Universitario de Deportes later today in Lima in what promises to be an exciting pre-season contest.
The Herons travel to Peru for the first time in franchise history with 80,000 fans expected to watch Lionel Messi and friends take on Universitario in Javier Mascherano’s second unofficial match as Inter Miami head coach.
With Inter Miami making five new signings this January, tonight’s contest will provide Mascherano to try out some of the recent arrivals as well as give some academy players minutes against Universitario, with Santiago Morales the hero for the Florida franchise last time out against Club America.
Two players Inter Miami have brought in this month are Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia from Celta Vigo and Casa Pia respectively, yet there’s a real chance that the reigning Supporters’ Shield holders could be without both new additions tonight in Peru.
Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia could miss Universitario game due to visa issues
According to the Miami Herald, Allende and Segovia could be unavailable for tonight’s match in Lima due to visa issues, with the pair yet to receive clearance to legally play for Inter Miami despite joining the club well over two weeks ago.
With Universitario’s manager excited to take on Inter Miami, the Herons being without two of their newest signings will come as a blow for Mascherano, who will have to wait later on this pre-season before having a full squad to use in a fixture.
Moreover, the Chase Stadium side are not finished yet with making new signings, with Inter Miami set to sign Maximiliano Falcon from Colo-Colo as the latest defensive addition this January, a position Mascherano is keen to improve on.
Indeed, Allende and Segovia missing out tonight will be a blow for Inter Miami, yet with Universitario an opponent the Herons are likely to do well against even with two new signings absent, this evening’s game in Lima will be a good chance for the regulars in the squad to get minutes in their legs.
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Who could play for Inter Miami tonight vs Universitario?
Allende and Segovia might not be available for Inter Miami tonight, but that doesn’t mean the Herons will be without any new signings ahead of this evening’s tie in the Peruvian capital against Universitario.
As well as the usual superstars in Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets, Inter Miami are expected to have new additions Gonzalo Lujan and Rocco Rios Novo in the matchday squad, with the latter featuring for the Herons against Club America earlier this week.
With Oscar Ustari also re-signing for Inter Miami, the veteran goalkeeper could also feature for Inter Miami in what will be a good test for Mascherano and his squad, even with Allende and Segovia potentially unavailable.