The Athletic is reporting that Johnny Cardoso is being scheduled for surgery after sustaining an ankle sprain. Cardoso received the initial injury while in training with his club, Atletico Madrid, before being forced off the field in the Champions League semifinal second leg against Arsenal last week. The Athletic is reporting that Atleti staff are concerned that Cardoso will be out until pre-season starts at the end of July. That of course would force Cardoso to miss the World Cup.
The 24-year-old
midfielder has received 23 caps for the United States Men’s National Team. He is playing at arguably the highest profile club of any potential USMNT player, but he has been in and out of the national team mostly due to injury. The lack of health had contributed to a lack of form and chemistry with the national team, so his position on the World Cup roster was debated by many, but this injury, if as severe as reported, is still a major blow to the US program ahead of hosting the tournament.
What do you think about the news? Would you take Cardoso if there was a chance he could be healthy for the later rounds? Who do you think the US should take instead if he isn’t fit? Talk it out in the comments section below.
