Ajani Fortune
ATL
CM
Box-to-Box
Dec 30, 2002 (23)
5'11"
165 lb
Atlanta UnitedStarting midweek
Fortune (hamstring) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Orlando City.
Analysis: Fortune was inactive since mid-July due to his issue, but he progressed well in his recovery and bounced back into a major role to face Orlando. He's usually able to rack up offensive output from his holding midfield position, having scored twice over 11 matches (six starts) in the 2026 MLS campaign, though his production will be unpredictable given his lack of form. William Reilly will see his playing time reduced with Fortune back in the lineup.
Not listed on injury report
Fortune (hamstring) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's match against Orlando City SC.
Analysis: Fortune looks to be on the verge of returning to the side, and the central midfielder would provide a huge boost to a midfield area that won't have Cooper Sanchez (concussion) and Giuliano Galoppo (visa issues) this Wednesday. A final call could be made closer to Wednesday's 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff, but not seeing him on the report is certainly a step in the right direction.
Questionable to play Saturday
Fortune (hamstring) is questionable for Saturday's match against Inter Miami.
Analysis: Fortune is trying to work his way back from a nagging hamstring injury, and the questionable tag suggests he's trending in the right direction. The central midfielder hasn't played in Atlanta's last seven league matches, and if he returns Saturday, it'd mark his first appearance since July 18.
Remains injured
Fortune (hamstring) remains out for the time being, according to his club.
Analysis: Fortune signed a new deal with Atlanta this week, but that will not mark his return to play, as the midfielder is still out with his hamstring injury. This will force him out for a seventh straight match, last playing in their first match back from the World Cup. Injuries have been a hindrance this season for an expected starter, hoping to return for the end of the campaign.
Extends deal with Atlanta
Fortune has signed a contract extension with Atlanta United through the 2028-29 season, with a club option for 2029-30, the club announced.
Analysis: Fortune's 2026 campaign has been disrupted by hamstring injuries, limiting him to just 10 MLS appearances (five starts) and two goals so far. That follows a 2025 season that ended early due to injury after 15 appearances and one goal. Even with the interrupted playing time, Atlanta clearly still views him as a core piece and the club expects him to take on an even bigger role going forward. Fortune came through Atlanta's academy, signed his Homegrown deal in 2022, and has totaled 74 MLS regular season and playoff appearances with four goals and four assists since debuting in 2023.
Picks up new hamstring injury
Fortune suffered a new setback and is out with a hamstring injury in his other leg, head coach Gerardo Martino confirmed Tuesday, according to SoccerwithDoug.
Analysis: Fortune has been out since mid-July after picking up a hamstring injury against Nashville SC, an absence that was initially expected to last three to four weeks. Head coach Tata Martino has now confirmed that the midfielder has suffered a hamstring injury in his other leg, compounding what was already a difficult stretch for the player. It is a significant development that effectively resets his recovery clock, and with no new timeframe given by the club, his return to action is now difficult to project with any confidence.
Out three to four weeks
Fortune (strain) will be out three to four weeks with a hamstring strain, according to SoccerwithDoug.
Analysis: Fortune's absence marks a significant hit to Atlanta United's midfield options during his time on the sidelines. The club will look to other options in midfield while he continues his recovery from the injury. No further details on how the issue occurred have been disclosed at this stage. Further updates on his timeline are expected from the club as his recovery progresses.
Off after 11 minutes
Fortune was forced off in the 11th minute of Friday's match against Nashville due to an apparent injury.
Analysis: Fortune was in the starting XI for Atlanta's return to MLS action, but he had to leave the field early, only playing 11 minutes before an injury ended his day. This is something to monitor in the coming days, as he was earning some decent work ahead of the break, earning two consecutive starts ahead of the break, while earning two assists in his past three appearances. He was replaced by Will Reilly, who is likely his replacement for the time being if he misses further time, as Steve Alzate (groin) is out.
Three shots in loss
Fortune had three shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-0 loss against Columbus Crew.
Analysis: Fortune recorded three shots Saturday, setting a new season high. He also put one shot on target in his third straight match, but failed to extend his two-match scoring streak. He will now be away from club football for nearly two months due to the World Cup break.
Nets late equalizer
Fortune scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and five chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Orlando City SC.
Analysis: Fortune earned the start Saturday after a bench role in the last contest, earning the role after he scored a goal. He would follow that up with yet another goal Saturday, finding the net in the 86th minute to equalize the match and earn a point. This accounts for the midfielders' only goal contributions of the season.
Scores opening goal
Fortune scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-1 loss versus Los Angeles Galaxy.
Analysis: Fortune got Atlanta on the scoresheet first Saturday with a 69th-minute goal, a bright spot before their eventual loss. This is the midfielder's first goal of the season, taking five shots to reach that mark. However, he has only started in two of his seven appearances, only appearing for 30 minutes against the Galaxy as well.
Whips in three crosses
Fortune registered one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 2-1 win over Toronto FC.
Analysis: Fortune started and played the full 90 Saturday as his team pulled out the win. He would see a decent outing despite it not being his best, recording a shot and three crosses. More importantly, he is continuing to see more time after an injury to begin the year, with two starts in five outings.
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