Overview
- Johnny Cardoso, who injured his right ankle in training, will have surgery, Atlético said Monday, a blow that makes his World Cup participation highly unlikely.
- Initial hopes of a one-month return have shifted to reports of at least two months out with a target of Atlético preseason, with no official timetable from the club.
- Coach Mauricio Pochettino must sort replacements with Tanner Tessmann also sidelined, and reports point to options like Tyler Adams, Aidan Morris, Cristian Roldan, or Sebastian Berhalter.
- The U.S. plans to name its 26-man squad on May 26 in New York, then hold camp in Georgia before friendlies on May 31 against Senegal and June 6 against Germany.
- Cardoso, 24, joined Atlético from Real Betis last summer, made about 30 appearances including both Champions League semifinal legs, and has 23 U.S. caps.