Ricardo Pepi, forward for PSV Eindhoven and the US men’s national team, has announced that he is “very close” to returning to action after a knee injury he sustained during a Champions League match against Liverpool in January.
Pepi scored a crucial goal on January 29 in a 3-2 win against the Giants in the Premier League, but unfortunately had to exit the game in the 76th minute. Following his injury, he underwent meniscus surgery in the US, which sidelined him for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season and prevented him from participating in this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup with the USMNT.
Now, Pepi reports that he is nearing full fitness as he gears up for the new season.
“It feels incredible. I’ve been eagerly waiting for the past five months, and now I’m back with my team,” Pepi shared with ESPN. “I’m very close to being back, nearing 100%, and just need to take that last small step before returning.
“It can be tough to be patient when you want to get back on the field, but taking the right steps is essential since you can’t rush recovery from an injury.
Pepi is entering the season with a fresh mindset and has adopted the No. 9 jersey after taking it from Luuk de Jong. The former FC Dallas player acknowledges that this change brings higher expectations.
“There are certainly high expectations, but no one holds me to a higher standard than I do. It’s a good balance between supporting the team and pursuing my individual goals,” Pepi stated.
“I believe this year will be significant. The past two seasons have shown me what I’m capable of, so I think it will be exciting to see how this year unfolds.”
Despite his knee issues, Pepi netted one less goal than former captain De Jong, finishing the 2024-25 season with 17 goals in all competitions for PSV. Beyond the Eredivisie, he aims to stand out and secure a spot in the USMNT squad for the 2026 World Cup.
“Reaching the World Cup has always been my dream, so I need to concentrate on my performance at the club level.”
Pepi last played for the USMNT on November 18, 2024, when he scored in a 4-2 win against Jamaica during the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Nations League.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as Pepi’s recovery and return could have a major impact on both PSV’s performance and the USMNT’s prospects for the upcoming World Cup. His journey back to full fitness embodies the resilience that fans appreciate in athletes, showing that their favorite players can overcome adversity to shine on the global stage.
