USA’s Johnny Cardoso expected to miss World Cup through ankle injury

Atletico Madrid’s ‌midfielder Johnny Cardoso will ⁠undergo surgery ⁠on his right ankle, the La Liga club has confirmed, dealing a significant blow ⁠to his hopes of playing at next month’s World Cup for the United States (USA).

“Cardoso sustained the injury during training ⁠last Thursday, resulting in a severe sprain that has affected the joint,” Atletico said in a statement on Monday.

It is the latest setback for Cardoso, whose debut season ‌at Atletico has been hampered by injuries. The 24-year-old also saw limited action during the March international window, playing only 45 minutes in a friendly against Belgium.

USA coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to name his 26-man World ⁠Cup squad later this month, with ⁠the cohosts already facing injury concerns.

Captain Christian Pulisic recently missed matches for AC Milan with a muscular problem, while Olympique ⁠de Marseille winger Tim Weah and Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Tanner Tessmann ⁠have also been sidelined.

The USA, ⁠who cohost the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada, will play Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6 in warm-up ‌matches before opening their Group D campaign against Paraguay in California, on June 12.

They will ‌also ‌face Australia and Turkiye at the World Cup.