Johnny Cardoso, a key midfielder for the USMNT, has received disappointing news following a challenging debut season with Atletico Madrid. The 24-year-old will be sidelined for the upcoming World Cup on home soil due to an ankle injury sustained last week.
Cardoso was forced to leave training early after an ankle injury, initially diagnosed as a sprain. While this would have ended his club season, it was anticipated he could recover in time for the World Cup, which was scheduled for about a month later.
Johnny Cardoso Requires Ankle Surgery
However, the severity of the injury appears to be greater than first thought. Atletico Madrid has announced that Cardoso will undergo immediate ankle surgery. Reports suggest that the injury impacted his arteries, and he is expected to be out for approximately two months. This timeline indicates he should be fit for preseason training with Atletico Madrid next season.
Cardoso’s USMNT Career So Far
Cardoso has earned 23 caps for the USMNT but has experienced an inconsistent presence in the squad, often due to injuries. He missed the latter stages of last summer’s Gold Cup campaign after participating in the group stages. Despite recent call-ups, including a friendly against Belgium in March, he hadn’t featured for the national team since the previous June before that match.
A Tough First Season at Atletico Madrid
Throughout his debut campaign with Atletico Madrid, Cardoso has been hampered by injuries, limiting his appearances to just 30. While he showed signs of returning to form in March and April, further injury setbacks have now dashed his World Cup hopes.