Currently sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference with 22 points, Mascherano’s Inter Miami will host Orlando City this Sunday at Chase Stadium

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They sit fifth in the Eastern Conference with 22 pointsSuárez returns to the squadMiami look to snap a two-game winless streakGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAFPWHAT HAPPENED?

Inter Miami's Javier Mascherano confirmed that striker Luis Suárez has rejoined full training after missing time due to personal reasons and is likely to be in the starting lineup against Orlando. He also provided an update on Fafà Picault, who is recovering from migraines caused by an infection and is still under medical evaluation. The winger was unavailable for the team’s recent road trip.

“Luis is training normally — he worked with the reserve squad yesterday,” Mascherano noted. “Fafà is feeling better, but we’re being cautious and consulting a specialist because of recurring migraines linked to an infection. It’s what kept him out of our last two games.”

Looking ahead to the showdown with Orlando City, Mascherano underlined the importance of getting a positive result, especially in a match that has become a budding rivalry in MLS. “Even though it was just a friendly back in February, we already saw the kind of intensity these games bring,” he said. “It might be a relatively new rivalry, but it matters. We need to deliver a strong performance to regain our confidence and get back on track for the crucial weeks ahead, both in the league and the Club World Cup.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

It’s been a challenging few weeks for Inter Miami and head coach Mascherano. The team has struggled defensively, conceding three or more goals in four of their last five matches. While the offense showed signs of life in their recent 3-3 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes, questions and criticism around Mascherano’s leadership continue to grow.

This weekend, face their third game in less than a week as they return home to Chase Stadium for their first rivalry clash of the season against Orlando City — part of the MLS's Rivalry Week. The match arrives after two difficult away results, falling to Minnesota United and then sharing points in San Jose.

Speaking to the media on Friday, Mascherano acknowledged his concern about the team's current form. With the FIFA Club World Cup less than a month away — Inter Miami is set to debut against Al Ahly on June 14 — the Argentine manager emphasized that his focus remains squarely on the MLS campaign in the immediate term.

“There’s still a month to go before the Club World Cup, and we have several MLS matches ahead,” Mascherano said. “I believe the best way to arrive at that tournament in good shape is by finding consistency again in our domestic league. That’s what we’re aiming for. When the time comes, we’ll embrace the Club World Cup as the prestigious competition it is — it’s a privilege that few clubs get to experience.”

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

This will mark the sixteenth official meeting between the two sides. In their previous 15 encounters, have claimed five victories, drawn five times, andhave also come out on top five times — highlighting just how evenly matched this rivalry has been.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

Currently sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference with 22 points, Mascherano’s Inter Miami will host Orlando City this Sunday at Chase Stadium.