Monteiro unavailable for tonight’s game

Jamiro Monteiro will have to wait another week to make his Philadelphia Union debut.

The 25-year-old midfielder on loan from FC Metz is still awaiting the completion of his international transfer certificate, the team announced less than hour before kickoff of tonight’s game against Columbus Crew at Talen Energy Stadium.

“Jamiro Monteiro has received his P1 Visa but remains in the process of obtaining his ITC and will not be available for tonight’s match against Columbus Crew,” the team wrote in a message posted on social media.

Union officials were hoping he would be available “at the latest” for tonight’s game. Monteiro was in Canada earlier this week to process his Visa, which requires Visa holders to leave and re-enter the country.

With Monteiro out, the Union have only 16 players available for tonight’s game due to injuries and players away on international duty and Marco Fabián’s additional game suspension the MLS Disciplinary Committee announced on Friday.

The starting XI is Carlos Miguel Coronel, Kai Wagner, Auston Trusty, Jack Elliott, Ray Gaddis, Alejandro Bedoya, Ilsinho, Brenden Aaronson, Fafa Picault and David Accam. On the bench is Matt Freese, Mark McKenzie, Aurelien Collin, Olivier Mbaizo and Anthony Fontana.