Talles Magno was set to make his first MLS start in nearly three years.

That was until some “calf trouble” forced him out of New York City FC’s starting lineup on Sunday, shortly before kickoff, in what would become a 2-0 loss to D.C. United, as NYCFC’s season continued to spiral.

Magno rejoined the club ahead of the start of the 2026 MLS season after spending 17 months on loan to Brazilian club Corinthians and has slowly been working his way back into the fold with the current group.

Talles Magno was forced out of NYCFC’s starting XI on Sunday. Getty Images

Magno suffered calf trouble during warmups for Sunday’s match at Citi Field, and the club announced that Malachi Jones would start in Magno’s place roughly 20 minutes prior to the start of the game.

NYCFC head coach Pascal Jansen did not expand on the severity of the injury to Magno or whether it would limit him at all next week when the club hosts the Columbus Crew at Yankee Stadium.

Jansen also revealed after the match that Aiden O’Neill had to…