Why is Jordi Alba not playing for Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 opener?

With Inter Miami and Al Ahly kicking off the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Jordi Alba’s absence in the Herons raised several questions among fans.

Inter Miami kicked off the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on Matchday 1 against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, with expectations high for the South Florida side to start strong at Hard Rock Stadium. However, one of the biggest surprises in the starting lineup was the absence of Jordi Alba, raising questions among fans about the veteran defender’s fitness.

Alba has been a key figure for Inter Miami since his arrival, reuniting with longtime Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi to add experience and chemistry to the left side. His absence quickly became a talking point ahead of the highly anticipated opener.

The reason why Jordi Alba is not playing against Al Ahly is because he’s recovering from a muscular injury. He suffered discomfort in his right hamstring during the May 28 match against CF Montreal and was forced off in the 24th minute.

The Spanish left back returned to training on June 11, but was not present during Friday’s final session. Head coach Javier Mascherano addressed the situation in his pre-match press conference. In Alba’s absence, Noah Allen has been called upon to fill the role on the left flank.

Jordi Alba one of three injury absences

Losing Alba is a significant blow for Inter Miami, as he brings both experience and technical skill to their attack from the back. But he’s not the only notable name missing from the squad.

Mascherano is also without midfielder Yannick Bright and defender Gonzalo Lujan, both out due to injury. The coach remains hopeful, however, that they’ll be recovered for next games. “As for Jordi, Yannick, and Gonza (Lujan), they won’t be available for this match. Hopefully by the second game—maybe not all three—but at least two or even one of them will be back,” he said on Friday’s press conference.