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Antony Robinson has shared the reason for his absence from the US men’s national team roster for the upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup. The defender underwent a "minor" surgery on his right knee, as confirmed by his club, Fulham, on Wednesday.
He is expected to start his rehabilitation soon and aims to be back on the field by the beginning of the 2025-26 Premier League season, according to Fulham’s statement.
At 27 years old, Robinson has established himself as a key player for the USMNT over the past few years. Since joining Fulham in 2020, he has risen to be one of the standout American players in Europe, making his exclusion from Mauricio Pochettino’s 27-player roster somewhat surprising.
Reports suggest that Robinson played through a knee injury during the 2024-25 season, though the severity of the injury has not been disclosed. Despite this challenge, he participated in 38 matches, including 36 Premier League outings, racking up over 3,200 minutes on the pitch for Fulham during the season.
Robinson’s performance has remained impressive; he contributed 10 assists in the Premier League, demonstrating his value to the team.
In addition to Robinson, several notable USMNT players, including midfielders Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Yunus Musah, were also left out of the Gold Cup roster just after the conclusion of the 2024-25 club season.
Pochettino commented on this decision, emphasizing the importance of selecting what is best for both the team and the players. “Sometimes togetherness can be critical, but we believe in making choices that maximize our potential,” he stated.
The USMNT is set to gather for training camp ahead of the Gold Cup starting on Sunday, June 1, with their first Group D match on Sunday, June 15.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the challenges players face during intense seasons, particularly with injuries. Robinson’s absence may impact the team’s dynamics, but it also opens opportunities for emerging talent, shaping the future of US soccer.
