Atlanta United's MLS-record signing Ezequiel Barco faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a thigh injury in training, the club announced on Wednesday.

The highly rated Argentine teenager joined Atlanta from Independiente in the close season in a $15 million deal (12.3 million euros), the highest transfer in MLS history.

Atlanta said the 18-year-old striker was injured on Tuesday.

"Atlanta United today announced that midfielder Ezequiel Barco will miss four-to-six weeks with a right quad strain," the team said.

Barco's injury is a blow to Atlanta, the side coached by former Argentina manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino who reached the playoffs in their maiden season last year.

Atlanta kick off their 2018 regular season campaign against Houston Dynamo on Saturday.