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In the latest injury setback to the U.S. men’s national team, Johnny Cardoso is confirmed to have suffered a high-grade sprain in his right ankle, according to club side Atlético Madrid on Thursday.
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The injury was suffered in Thursday’s training, making him “unable to complete the session,” and prompting him to receive testing from Atlético’s medical staff, the club reported. It is unclear when the star midfielder will return to the pitch, potentially missing out on the rest of La Liga play this season and the 2026 World Cup this summer.
“He will undergo physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions in the gym, and the progress of his recovery will determine his return to competition,” the club said.
Huge Setback for Atletico, USMNT
Atlético only has four La Liga games left this season, starting with Celta Vigo on Saturday at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano and ending with Villarreal on May 24. It is unlikely Cardoso will return to club play this season, given the degree of his sprain, leaving los Rojiblancos without one of their key contributors in the midfield.
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Cardoso recently appeared in the second leg of Atlético’s UEFA Champions League semifinals, suffering a heartbreaking 1–0 loss to Arsenal on Tuesday, eliminated from the European competition 2–1 on aggregate.
The 24-year-old was a contender for USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino’s final 26-man roster for the World Cup this summer, recently called up to the March international window and appearing for the Stars and Stripes in the friendly against Belgium on March 28. He has 23 caps at the senior level, also appearing in Concacaf Nations League play in 2024–25.
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This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 9:14 AM.