ATL Standard

Brooks Lennon is set to return for Atlanta United as they face Inter Miami CF on Sunday Night Soccer. The match marks Lennon's potential season debut following a shoulder injury that sidelined him after Atlanta's unexpected victory over Miami in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Head coach Ronny Deila expressed confidence in Lennon's readiness, stating, “He’s ready and he’s very motivated, as you can see." Lennon himself shared his enthusiasm with reporters earlier this week: "I feel great. I've had a bunch of great training sessions. I've built my fitness back to 100 percent, and I'm just eager to get back on the field and help the lads... every game it's tough for me to watch from the sidelines, so I'm super eager and excited to get back."

The shoulder injury is uncommon in soccer but more prevalent in sports like football and baseball. To aid his recovery, Lennon conducted research and consulted with athletes such as Weston McKennie of Juventus and Michael Parkhurst of Atlanta United.

Lennon's return is significant for Atlanta United due to his defensive skills and leadership qualities. Since joining from Real Salt Lake in December 2019, Lennon has been one of the team's most dependable players, logging more regular-season minutes last year than any other player, including captain Brad Guzan.

Guzan praised Lennon's impact on the team: “His work rate is tremendous, his ability to get up and down the pitch," he said. "He's a defender and somebody that is willing and able to close the ball down and defend how he needs to defend. On top of that, he’s got a really good right foot in terms of delivering crosses and being able to transition and help us transition from back to front. He’s someone that offers qualities on both sides of the ball.”