Atlanta United availability report: Brooks Lennon returns for Inter Miami match

Brooks Lennon is available for Atlanta United's meeting with Inter Miami CF on Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire.

The opportunity means Lennon could make his season debut in a rematch of Atlanta's improbable upset that knocked Miami out of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs and, incidentally, also knocked Lennon out with a shoulder injury.

“He’s ready and he’s very motivated, as you can see," head coach Ronny Deila said on Friday.

Shoulder injuries aren't as common in soccer as they are in other sports such as football or baseball. To formulate a plan for recovery, Lennon said that he did a lot of research. He also reached out to other top athletes such as U.S. men's national team and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie as well as Atlanta United's own Michael Parkhurst.

"I feel great," Lennon told reporters earlier this week. "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 from the sidelines, so I'm super eager and excited to get back."

Getting Lennon back is very good news for Atlanta United, not only in terms of his defensive and attacking abilities but also what his presence brings to the squad. He's been one of Atlanta United's most reliable players since arriving from Real Salt Lake in December 2019. Last season, he accrued the most regular season minutes out of any player on the team, even more than captain Brad Guzan. In training, it's clear the difference Lennon makes with his effort and vocal leadership.

“His work rate is tremendous, his ability to get up and down the pitch," Guzan 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.”