The festive period of the European soccer season is upon us, and with the World Cup approaching, the stakes are higher than ever. In Bournemouth’s dramatic 4-4 draw against Manchester United, concerns heightened when American midfielder Tyler Adams sustained another injury.

It appears that Adams has suffered an MCL injury, causing worry for manager Andoni Iraola. This incident occurred just nine minutes into the match, severely impacting Bournemouth’s setup, as they struggled defensively without their key midfielder. They faced 25 shots and conceded four goals following Adams’ exit.

Iraola expressed the severity of the situation, stating, “It’s the worst news from the game… To lose a player like him is massive.”

Previously sidelined for 10 games due to a back injury and missing additional matches for muscular injuries, Adams’ latest setback could restrict his participation in crucial friendlies against Belgium and Portugal.

With the 2026 World Cup in sight, the focus now shifts to whether Adams can regain form. Adams’ leadership and performance were instrumental during his captaincy at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, highlighting his importance to the USMNT.

Should Adams’ injuries continue, it poses significant questions for the USMNT and coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has yet to find a suitable replacement.

Maintaining a healthy Adams is paramount for both Bournemouth and the USMNT, emphasizing the need to manage his minutes effectively leading up to 2026.