Overview
- Atlético Madrid said Thursday that Cardoso suffered a high‑grade sprain to his right ankle in training and will start physiotherapy with his return based on progress.
- Reports indicate he is not expected to play again this season, which leaves Atlético to finish its final four LaLiga matches without him.
- Medical guidance cited in coverage says high ankle sprains often need several weeks to about a month to heal, placing his World Cup availability in question with roster decisions due May 26.
- Cardoso’s year has been stop‑start, with about 30 club appearances and multiple injuries, plus 23 U.S. caps but few recent minutes, which had already left him on the selection bubble.
- The U.S. opens group play in mid‑June against Paraguay in Los Angeles, and staff may pivot to depth options at defensive midfield such as Tanner Tessmann, Cristian Roldan or Aidan Morris alongside starter Tyler Adams.