Overview
- Pochettino confirmed Monday that Cardoso left camp to return to Atlético Madrid for tests and rehab after renewed leg discomfort.
- The midfielder will miss Tuesday’s friendly against Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
- Pochettino said the problem does not appear serious and indicated Cardoso is targeting Atlético’s Champions League quarterfinal against Barcelona, which could still rule him out of the April 4 league meeting.
- Cardoso started the 5-2 loss to Belgium on Saturday but came off at halftime in a planned change following leg issues that surfaced in training earlier in the week.
- Defender Chris Richards said he is fit to face Portugal after a knee knock kept him out against Belgium, restoring a first-choice option in central defense.