There will be no goal celebrations for David Villa Saturday. (Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports)
New York City FC will have to survive another game without star striker David Villa.
The Major League Soccer’s leading goal-scorer won’t play against the Portland Timbers at Yankee Stadium for the 5:30 p.m. Saturday match-up due to an adductor irritation.
“David is not ready for the game tomorrow. He will not play, and the same for Yangel [Herrera],” NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira told FutbolMLS.com’s Ariel Judas Friday.
Villa will join Venezuelan international midfielder Herrera on the sidelines. Herrera suffered an athletic pubalgia injury while playing in a 1-1 draw with Argentina Tuesday.
Without Villa, NYCFC registered a 1-0 home win over Sporting Kansas City Wednesday night. Jack Harrison scored the lone goal in the 85th minute.
Villa has scored 19 goals this season.
Defensive midfielder Alex Ring, who suffered a toe injury while playing for Finland in a WCQ last week, has been listed as questionable.
Forward Rodney Wallace, who missed Wednesday’s game due to a double-jeopardy situation (WCQ and a yellow-card suspension) is available for the Starting XI.