Julián Malatini
SVW
Center Back
Ball-Playing Center Back
May 31, 2001 (25)
Right
6'3"
185 lb
Will miss roughly three weeks
Malatini will be out for roughly three weeks, Laurel Pfahler of The Queen City Press reports.
Analysis: Losing Malatini is huge for Cincinnati since they're also missing their other starting center-back, Miles Robinson (undisclosed). Nick Hagglund should see regular playing time at the heart of the defense with Malatini sidelined, and the goal is to have the center-back ready for the regular-season finale against Nashville SC on Saturday, Nov. 7.
Picks up muscle issue
Malatini was forced to exit in the 18th minute of Sunday's meeting with Columbus Crew due to an apparent left thigh injury.
Analysis: Malatini made his second successive start while covering for the absence of Miles Robinson (muscular) but was treated for a thigh discomfort that prevented him from seeing a meaningful outing. If the Argentinian is dealing with a serious muscle problem, he's likely to miss at least the next couple of games, causing another change in the starting lineup in favor of Nick Hagglund.
Joins Cincinnati on loan
Malatini has joined FC Cincinnati on loan from Werder Bremen through June 2027, with an option to make the move permanent, according to the club.
Analysis: Malatini heads to MLS after spending nearly three seasons with Werder Bremen, where he made 32 Bundesliga appearances and scored twice. The 25-year-old center-back also brings significant experience from Argentina with Talleres and Defensa y Justicia. His size, athleticism and Bundesliga experience should allow him to compete for regular minutes in Cincinnati's back line.
Finds bench spot
Malatini (ankle) is back fit for Saturday's friendly against Paderborn, according to the club.
Analysis: Malatini had undergone surgery to repair a torn ankle ligament earlier in the summer and had been gradually building toward a partial return to training, so his availability for this match confirms his recovery is now complete. He now looks set to compete for a regular role heading into the new 2026/27 Bundesliga season after clearing this lengthy injury layoff.
Aims partial training soon
Malatini (ankle) is expected to partially resume training by the end of the week following his long term ankle injury, according to the club.
Analysis: Malatini underwent surgery to repair a torn ankle ligament earlier in the summer and was seen back on the grass working with the ball in mid June, an encouraging step in his recovery. His anticipated partial return to training marks further progress, and the club's medical staff will continue to build his fitness gradually as he targets full availability for the 2026/27 Bundesliga season.
Returns on grass
Malatini (ankle) was spotted back on the grass working with the ball on Friday during the summer break, marking an encouraging milestone in his recovery from the ligament surgery he underwent earlier in the summer, the club posted.
Analysis: Malatini had undergone successful surgery to repair the torn ankle ligament and was facing a lengthy recovery timeline, making his return to outdoor work a positive development ahead of pre-season preparations. The defender will continue to build his fitness gradually under the supervision of Bremen's medical staff as he targets a return to full availability for the 2026/27 campaign.
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