It’s a challenging period for hopefuls of the World Cup. With the aim of finalizing a 26-man squad for the summer event, U.S. men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino is keen on having players perform consistently in their club matches.
This entails producing top performances, netting goals, making impactful plays, and securing clean sheets.
While this logic seems sound, it consequently raises certain risks. For instance, Sergiño Dest encountered an unfortunate leg injury during PSV Eindhoven’s recent victory over AZ Alkmaar, limping off after grabbing his left hamstring in excruciating pain in the 56th minute, necessitating assistance from medical personnel.
Injury Incident
(Photo by Kevin Senders/Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Dest’s injury status remains uncertain, and he might miss the upcoming March camp featuring matches against Belgium (March 28) and Portugal (March 31) in Atlanta. It is critical as this window represents the final opportunity for the team to practice together before Pochettino finalizes his World Cup lineup.
Dest expressed optimism over his recovery, stating, “I’m out for a little while to do what I love the most! But one thing for sure this is NOT the end of the season! I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that I’m coming back asap on the right timing! Thanks for the messages won’t let you guys down!”
He was expected to be the primary choice at right back, though Pochettino has alternatives in case he requires them. Tim Weah has played offensively for the national team but has shown versatility, performing at both right back and right wing for Marseille. Alex Freeman, recently transferred from Orlando City to Villarreal, made an impression over the last year, while Joe Scally, who consistently plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach, was a backup during the 2022 World Cup.
In preparation for the World Cup, players often try to fend off thoughts of injuries; however, occurrences often arise at the most inopportune moments. A few years back, defenders Miles Robinson (ruptured Achilles) and Chris Richards (hamstring) could not participate in the Qatar World Cup due to pre-tournament injuries. Similarly, on the women’s side, Mallory Swanson (knee) and the former captain Becky Sauerbrunn (foot) missed the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, Catarina Macario (knee) missed the 2024 Olympics after being included in the roster.
Dest rehabilitated from an ACL tear in April 2024 and returned to national team duties in March 2025. Despite limited appearances since his return, he had been performing well before this recent injury. When fit, Dest is regarded as one of the strongest players available.
Aside from Dest, Pochettino’s team is also monitoring left back Antonee “Jedi” Robinson, who is recovering from an ankle issue yet resumed play for Fulham. Furthermore, midfielder Diego Luna is nursing a knee injury that had sidelined him at the start of Real Salt Lake’s MLS season. In a positive note, striker Ricardo Pepi, who had suffered an arm fracture in January, scored the decisive goal for PSV shortly after Dest left the field.
As time nears, with less than 100 days until the USA’s opening game against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, urgency grows.
