Inter Miami CF defender Ian Fray suffered an injury to his right medial meniscus during the 2-1 MLS playoff win over Atlanta United Saturday at Chase Stadium, the club announced Saturday.
The player will undergo surgery in the coming days, with a a source telling ESPN that he is expected to return to the field in early 2025.
Inter Miami initially feared another ACL tear for the player after he limped off the pitch in the 92nd minute with the help of the team’s athletic trainers. Fray exited Chase Stadium in crunches, unable to put pressure on the knee.
The defender previously suffered ACL tears in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
He returned from the latest injury on June 19 in the 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew, where he scored the first goal for the Herons.
Despite Miami’s victory over Atlanta in the opening game of the best-of-three first-round playoff series, head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said the team couldn’t celebrate due to Fray’s injury.
“In the end, I think we feel not as much satisfaction as we could have in the [result] of the match, more because of Ian,” said Martino.
“We are all a little bit sad.”
Inter Miami now prepares to travel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the second match against Atlanta on Nov. 2. Should Miami win, it will advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.