The USMNT received some unwelcome news as it was reported that Atletico Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso suffered a high-grade ankle sprain and will be out for an indeterminate period. With the World Cup five weeks away he has little time to recover and sprains are notoriously tricky injuries. Ligaments heal slowly and injuries to them can linger for longer than even simple bone fractures.
For now, Cardoso will be laid up following RICE and other recovery protocols but the team will have to decide
how to deal with his absence. The World Cup is five weeks away and Mauricio Pochettino will reveal his roster at the end of May so there is certainly time to evaluate his status before the kickoff friendlies and opening match.
Cardoso has had an impact since joining Atletico Madrid emerging as a key part of their defensive midfield strategy. That hasn’t always translated to the USMNT but with Tyler Adams’ injury history depth and having different starting options at no. 6 is sorely needed.
