Alex Callens (right) has been outstanding for NYCFC this season. (© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK)

Center back Alex Callens won’t be suiting for New York City FC for its game at Inter Miami CF on Saturday due to an MCL issue.

Callens was forced from the 3-2 loss at the Columbus Crew last Saturday, complaining about his knee.

“It’s a knee issue, it’s his MCL,” NYCFC interim head coach Nick Cushing said on Thursday. “He’s with the medical team now and he won’t be ready for Miami, but he’s in great spirits. I went in the gym this morning and he’s working away, he’s happy, so I’m leaving him with the medical team and we’ll just get regular updates on him. Apart from that everyone else is healthy.”

Callens, who converted the winning penalty kick in the shootout that lifted City to MLS Cup crown, has been an integral part of the team’s backline for the last six seasons.

The 30-year-old Peruvian has scored three goals in all 22 matches he has played and started this season.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.