Franco Escobar’s return to Newell’s Old Boys is off to a rough start, with the Argentine Primera Division club announcing that the defender has fractured his foot’s fifth metatarsal, pushing any debut down the road.
Escobar is on loan at Newell’s from Atlanta United for the 2021 season, rejoining the club he played for from 2015-17 before coming to the Five Stripes. Part of Atlanta’s MLS Cup-winning team in 2018, Escobar had two goals and five assists in 63 games (58 starts) across the last three seasons.
Mainly a right back who can also play centrally in a pinch, Escobar’s move involves a purchase option, according to The Athletic's Felipe Cardenas. His move also comes amid Atlanta appointing Gabriel Heinze as head coach as they seek a return to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
It’s unclear exactly how long Escobar will be sidelined, though Newell’s are in the early portions of their season. They’ve also qualified for the 2021 Copa Sudamericana as the best team not to qualify for the Copa Libertadores.
