Report: Johnny Cardoso to miss USMNT duty due to muscle injury
03/16/2025 01:37 PM
Mauricio Pochettino will reportedly have to make one roster move ahead of the U.S. men’s national team’s return to competitive action.
Johnny Cardoso will stay in Spain to continue his injury recovery following a muscle strain, Mundo Deportivo reported Sunday. The 23-year-old missed Real Betis’ UEFA Europa Conference League win last Thursday, which led to speculation about his fitness.
Cardoso was suspended for Real Betis’ 3-2 La Liga victory over Leganes on Sunday.
Manuel Pellegrini has relied heavily on Cardoso this season, awarding him with 33 appearances across all competitions. The New Jersey native has scored two goals and added one assist.
However, Cardoso’s injury will be a major confidence blow as the USMNT aims to repeat as CONCACAF Nations League winners. The Americans face Panama on Thursday, with the winner heading to March 23’s final against either Mexico or Canada.
Aidan Morris or Brenden Aaronson are two potential replacements for Cardoso in the USMNT’s midfield corps.
