USMNT’s Johnny Cardoso to undergo ankle surgery, expected to miss World Cup

United States men’s national team midfielder Johnny Cardoso will undergo ankle surgery and is expected to miss the World Cup.

The Athletic reported on May 7 that the 24-year-old had sustained a high ankle sprain in Atletico training and that the injury would put his availability at next month’s tournament into question.

“Johnny Cardoso will undergo surgery to repair the injury to his right ankle,” the La Liga side said in a statement on Monday. “The American suffered a trauma during training last Thursday that resulted in a high-grade sprain with joint involvement. We send you lots of encouragement and strength, Johnny, and wish you a speedy and full recovery from your injury.”

Club sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to do so publicly, indicated to The Athletic that he is expected to be out until at least pre-season.

“He will undergo physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions in the gym,” Atletico said in a statement last week. “The progress of his recovery will determine his return to competition.”

Cardoso’s injury is a significant blow to the USMNT’s World Cup midfield depth. Mauricio Pochettino is due to name his squad for the tournament on May 26 in New York City. Cardoso has 23 caps for the USMNT but has only appeared once since last year’s Gold Cup, where he amassed 11 minutes on the pitch, in a March friendly against Belgium.

The Athletic has contacted the USMNT for comment.

Cardoso joined Atletico from Real Betis last summer and made 30 appearances in all competitions in his debut season in the Spanish capital. He scored once in the Champions League as Atletico reached the semi-finals of the competition.

Cardoso also helped Atletico reach the final of the Copa del Rey, where they lost to Real Sociedad via a penalty shootout on April 18.

The USMNT, who are joint World Cup hosts alongside Mexico and Canada, are next in action in friendly games against Senegal (May 31) and Germany (June 6).

Pochettino’s side were drawn into Group D, where they will face Paraguay (June 13), Australia (19 June), and Turkey (June 26).

Who could replace Cardoso in the USMNT’s midfield?

Analysis from senior soccer writer Paul Tenorio

Cardoso’s absence opens up a critical spot in midfield on Pochettino’s roster.

Considering that Tanner Tessmann is also missing the rest of the season for Lyon, one has to wonder if Pochettino will bring another central midfielder who fits that profile. Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan, Aidan Morris and maybe even Jack McGlynn will see their stock increase as a result of Cardoso’s injury.

But there might be a trickle-down effect elsewhere. Pochettino has Weston McKennie, who can drop into a deeper role.

With Cardoso out, maybe he can bring another attacking midfielder or winger. Could that help boost the chances for Gio Reyna or Alejandro Zendejas? Or maybe even a surprise pick?

It will come down to where Pochettino wants to add depth.