Key Absences Shake Inter Miami in the Season
Inter Miami CF faces a turbulent start to the season with the news that midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi will be sidelined due to a sports hernia. The 18-year-old rising star, also eligible for the Argentine national team, underwent surgery and is expected to be out of action for two to three months. This setback, coupled with the long-term injury to striker Facundo Farías, presents a significant challenge for the team, which now finds itself without two key pieces in its starting lineup.
Cremaschi, an international for the United States, had a notable debut season in 2023, contributing two goals and four assists in 28 matches, earning him recognition in last year’s “22 Under 22” list. His crucial role in winning the Leagues Cup and subsequently qualifying for the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2024 underscored the midfielder’s importance to Inter Miami’s success.
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The surgery to correct the sports hernia is an untimely setback for both the player and the team, which had already suffered the loss of Farías, a talented winger, due to a knee injury. Both players were expected to be part of the starting lineup, forming a threatening duo for opponents. Cremaschi’s injury, in particular, leaves a significant gap in the midfield, where his technical ability and vision were crucial to the team’s strategy.
The team, currently on a preseason tour in Asia, will have to quickly adapt to the absence of these two talented players. The coach and coaching staff now face the challenge of reorganizing the team and finding alternatives capable of compensating for the loss of Cremaschi and Farías. The depth of Inter Miami’s midfield, which still features names like Sergio Busquets, Gregore, Julian Gressel, Diego Gómez, Jean Mota, and David Ruíz, provides some options, but replicating Cremaschi’s unique contribution will be challenging.
These setbacks come at a crucial time, on the eve of the competitive season, where every point earned is vital for long-term success. The initial expectations for Inter Miami were high, especially after last year’s Leagues Cup triumph, fueled by Cremaschi’s outstanding performances. However, the recent injuries cast doubt on the team’s ability to maintain the same level of performance and compete at the highest level.
Cremaschi’s injury, in particular, raises questions about the depth of Inter Miami’s roster and highlights the vulnerability of relying heavily on young talents. Although the team still has experienced players in its midfield, the absence of the 18-year-old prodigy represents a significant blow, as he proved to be a catalyst for the team’s success in his debut season.
The start of the season with a home match against Real Salt Lake on February 21 now becomes a crucial test for Inter Miami. The team’s ability to overcome these adversities and maintain competitive performance without two key players will be put to the test.
