Hany Mukhtar on the bench for Nashville SC 2023 opener against NYCFC. Here's why

Hany Mukhtar (hip tightness) will not start for Nashville SC in its 2023 MLS season opener against New York City FC on Saturday at Geodis Park.

Central midfielder and captain Dax McCarty (quad) and center forward CJ Sapong (quad) were also not listed in the lineup. Mukhtar and McCarty are listed on the bench, while Sapong wasn't listed in the gameday roster.

Mukhtar did not participate in warm-ups with the rest of the team, but did dress.

Mukhtar finished the 2022 season with the MLS scoring title and the league MVP award, racking up 23 goals and 11 goals. McCarty is fourth all-time is (395) in games started and could pass Jeff Larentowicz (397) for third.

The 27-year-old Mukhtar played 33 of 34 MLS games in 2022, starting 32 of them. In 2021, the German forward played 31 of 34 games, starting 28, scoring 16 goals and 12 assist.

Here Nashville's lineup for its season premier against NYCFC.

For stories about Nashville SC or Soccer in Tennessee, contact Drake Hills at DHills@gannett.com. Follow Drake on Twitter at @LiveLifeDrake. Connect with Drake on Instagram at @drakehillssoccer and on Facebook.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville SC forward Hany Mukhtar not starting vs. New York City FC