Johnny Cardoso faces an uncertain road to recovery after Atletico Madrid confirmed the midfielder sustained a high-grade ankle sprain on Monday. The U.S. national team's midfield depth will be tested as the American prepares for what could be an extended absence, with the World Cup opener against Paraguay scheduled for June 13. The timing of the injury casts doubt over whether the New Jersey native will be available for Mauricio Pochettino's squad announcement in late May.
High ankle sprains typically sideline players for several weeks, a recovery window that leaves little margin for error given the compressed timeline before the tournament begins. Cardoso has been a regular fixture in Pochettino's experimental midfield setup, establishing himself as a reliable presence alongside captain Tyler Adams in central midfield. His form at Atletico Madrid—30 appearances across all competitions since arriving from Real Betis—had positioned him as a cornerstone of the USMNT's tournament planning.
Midfield Alternatives Emerge
While Cardoso's injury is undoubtedly a blow, the U.S. possesses credible alternatives in the engine room. Tanner Tessmann, Sebastian Berhalter, and Cristian Roldan have all impressed under Pochettino's management. Versatile midfielder Yunus Musah could also stake a claim for inclusion, offering tactical flexibility that might appeal to the Argentine manager. These options provide Pochettino with contingency plans, though none have matched Cardoso's recent consistency and match sharpness at a top European club.
The injury news arrives amid broader positive developments for the USMNT's fitness profile. Antonee Robinson has overcome knee and muscle issues to become a regular starter for Fulham, while Sergino Dest recently returned to action for PSV after resolving a hamstring problem. Pochettino will hope to assemble a largely healthy squad for a home World Cup tournament, though Cardoso's availability remains a significant concern for the team's midfield balance as preparations intensify.
