Atletico Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso is set to undergo surgery on his right ankle, casting major doubt over his availability for the United States at next month’s World Cup.
The LaLiga club confirmed the news on Monday after the 24-year-old suffered the injury during training last week.
“Cardoso sustained the injury during training last Thursday, resulting in a severe sprain that has affected the joint,” Atletico said in an official statement.
The setback is another frustrating chapter in Cardoso’s debut season in Madrid, which has already been disrupted by fitness issues. The United States international also struggled for minutes during the March international break, featuring for only 45 minutes in a friendly against Belgium.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to announce his 26-man World Cup squad later this month, with concerns already growing over several key players ahead of the tournament.
Captain Christian Pulisic recently missed matches for AC Milan due to a muscular injury, while Tim Weah of Olympique de Marseille and Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann have also spent time sidelined.
The United States, co-hosting the World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada, will face Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6 in preparation matches before beginning their Group D campaign against Paraguay in Inglewood, California, on June 12.
Pochettino’s side will also take on Australia and Turkey during the tournament.
