USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso injured weeks before World Cup kickoff

Yahoo Sports12h ago2 min readOriginal source →

TL;DR

USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso has suffered a high-grade ankle sprain and will be out for an indeterminate period. With the World Cup just five weeks away, his recovery timeline is critical for the team's roster decisions.

Key points

Johnny Cardoso suffered a high-grade ankle sprain.
He will be out for an indeterminate period.
The World Cup is five weeks away.
Cardoso is a key part of Atletico Madrid's midfield.
USMNT needs to assess roster options due to his injury.

Johnny CardosoUSMNTAtletico MadridTyler Adams

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 28: Johnny Cardoso #15 of the United States looks on during the first half of an international friendly against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/USSF/Getty Images) | Getty Images 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.

Q&A

What type of injury did Johnny Cardoso sustain?

Johnny Cardoso suffered a high-grade ankle sprain.

How long is Johnny Cardoso expected to be out due to his injury?

The exact duration of Johnny Cardoso's absence is indeterminate, but ankle sprains can take a significant time to heal.

How might Cardoso's injury impact the USMNT's World Cup roster?

Cardoso's injury leaves the USMNT needing to evaluate their options for the defensive midfield position, especially with Tyler Adams' injury history.

USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso injured weeks before World Cup kickoff

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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