Johnny Cardoso watched from the sidelines as Atletico Madrid defeated and Barcelona 2-0 within the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal. The midfielder began in the US’ latest 5-2 pleasant loss to Kevin De Bruyne’s Belgium, however didn’t function within the second pleasant, a defeat in opposition to Portugal in late March.
Throughout the USA vs. Belgium match, Cardoso was compelled to depart the sport at halftime after reporting discomfort in his leg. Additional testing at Atlético Madrid confirmed that the 24-year-old suffered a left thigh muscle damage, which is able to sideline him for . Whereas Cardoso is anticipated to be totally slot in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one other key USMNT participant will miss the complete match.
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Johnny Cardoso of Atletico de MadridPhoto by Alvaro Medranda/High quality Sport Photographs/Getty Photographs)
(Picture by Alvaro Medranda/High quality Sport Photographs/Getty Photographs))
Patrick Agyemang, after a few seasons with Charlotte FC, transferred to the English Soccer League Championship’s Derby County in 2025. The ahead from East Hartford, Connecticut, has additionally been a key contributor for the USMNT since becoming a member of the nationwide workforce final yr, scoring six targets in 14 appearances.
However on Monday, throughout Derby County’s 2-0 win over Stoke Metropolis, Agyemang went down with a non-contact damage after trying to regulate the ball along with his chest. He was later identified with a ruptured Achilles tendon in his proper leg, which is able to pressure him to overlook the remainder of the season and the complete 2026 FIFA World Cup. And on Wednesday, Agyemang took to social media to share an emotional message of thanks and resilience along with his followers after the devastating blow.
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“Man, phrases can’t actually describe the second I spotted what occurred,” Agyemang wrote on Instagram. “You’ll be able to solely think about the ideas going by means of my head… however that’s life typically. First, I simply need to thank God for every thing He’s executed in my life and for all that’s nonetheless to return.Additionally needed to say thanks all for the love, messages, and help. it’s been wonderful and really touched my coronary heart. I’ll be again quickly, don’t fear 🖤”
Cardoso took discover of Agyemang’s publish, sending his greatest needs within the feedback part utilizing 4 emojis: “🦾🦾❤️❤️.”
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The USA will open World Cup play on Friday, June 12, going through Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
This story was initially printed by on Apr 8, 2026, the place it first appeared within the part. Add Athlon Sports activities as a