Atlanta United availability report: Defense will be 'whole team effort' against Charlotte FC

Pedro Amador, Brooks Lennon and Ronald Hernández are all out for Saturday's match against regional rival Charlotte FC.

Lennon is still recovering from the shoulder injury that knocked him out of the Eastern Conference Semifinals last fall. Amador is making his way back from a hamstring injury, and head coach Ronny Deila is optimistic the fullback's return could happen in the next few weeks.

“He’s training with the team now, but he’s not ready for the weekend. He will hopefully be ready for the Red Bulls game [on March 8],” Deila said after training on Thursday.

Hernández was added just this week. He appeared in the starting XI and played a full 90 minutes against CF Montréal on February 22.

That leaves Matt Edwards, the 22-year-old fullback who made his first career MLS start in the win over Montréal. Dominik Chong Qui also signed a short-term agreement, his second out of a maximum of four allowed this season, and is available for selection in Charlotte. The 17-year-old was also called up last week for Atlanta's home opener.

Derrick Williams is not listed with an injury and could be ready for the afternoon kick in the Queen City. On Thursday, the center back said he's feeling better after a minor injury to his left quad. Williams came on in the final moments of the match against Montréal as a sub.

They will have the task of defending Charlotte's attackers including Wilfried Zaha, the marquee winter signing who in his career has tallied 458 matches played for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League. Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith confirmed the winger's availability Thursday. Zaha missed Charlotte's opening weekend due to the birth of his baby.

“It's not just the sixes and the center backs. The wingers are so important," Williams said. "Because if you open up space on the side, someone has to go to him, and then it leaves space somewhere else. It’s a whole team effort."

Williams would give Atlanta United an experienced defender on the backline. Last season, he recorded more than 2,200 regular season minutes, fifth-most on the team. He'd also provide some height and speed, along with Atlanta center back Stian Gregersen, to contain Charlotte's 6-foot-4 forward Patrick Agyemang.

With both Atlanta United and Charlotte FC boasting dynamic attackers on their roster, defense could very well be the difference.

“We’re looking to go there and keep a clean sheet and definitely get the three points," Williams said.