David Ospinas Atlante contract suspended after injury, says Miguel Herrera

Atlante goalkeeper David Ospina is not expected to return to the Mexican club after suffering an injury, manager Miguel Herrera has said.

The 37-year-old Colombia international joined Atlante only a month ago, following his participation in the 2026 World Cup with Colombia. However, the club has now announced that his contract will be suspended temporarily while he recovers, with a final decision to be made after further medical assessments in the coming weeks.

“Ospina will not return. That is clear. His return is very unlikely, and I feel very sorry for him because he really wanted to be with us,” Herrera said at a news conference.

The manager added that Ospina had told him he was experiencing significant pain in his arm and would undergo treatment. Atlante have responded by signing goalkeeper Jordan Garcia.

“He was very honest, and I am very grateful for that. He said his arm hurts a lot and that he will undergo treatment. I see it as extremely difficult, and that is why we signed Jordan Garcia,” Herrera said.

Ospina suffered a fracture to his right elbow while playing for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in 2023. The latest injury has prompted the temporary suspension of his agreement with Atlante while the full extent of the problem is established.

“I wish David all the best from the bottom of my heart because he was an honest man. Anyone can pretend not to know and say: I will take my salary. It hurts a little, or perhaps it does not hurt me at all. But David was very honest with me,” Herrera added.

“Ospina told me that it hurts a lot. He will undergo a thorough medical examination because this is not normal. So I salute him for his honesty,” he said.

Ospina has represented Atletico Nacional in Colombia, Nice in France, Arsenal in England, Napoli in Italy and Al Nassr, before joining Atlante.

The experienced goalkeeper has made 490 appearances during his professional career, conceding 498 goals and recording 178 clean sheets.

He is also Colombia’s second-most capped player, having appeared 130 times for the national team. His international career has made him one of the country’s most established footballers, but his latest setback leaves his immediate future with Atlante uncertain.

The club’s statement said the final decision on his contract would depend on the diagnosis reached over the next few weeks. For now, Herrera’s comments indicate that Ospina is unlikely to play for Atlante again.