{"id":38482,"date":"2026-01-23T13:47:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T18:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/23\/usmnt-world-cup-roster-update-ricardo-pepis-injury-casts-a-shadow-on-americans-overseas-this-weekend\/"},"modified":"2026-01-23T13:47:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T18:47:00","slug":"usmnt-world-cup-roster-update-ricardo-pepis-injury-casts-a-shadow-on-americans-overseas-this-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/23\/usmnt-world-cup-roster-update-ricardo-pepis-injury-casts-a-shadow-on-americans-overseas-this-weekend\/","title":{"rendered":"USMNT World Cup Roster Update: Ricardo Pepi\u2019s Injury Casts a Shadow on Americans Overseas This Weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/23\/usmnt-world-cup-roster-update-ricardo-pepis-injury-casts-a-shadow-on-americans-overseas-this-weekend\/#England\" >England<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/23\/usmnt-world-cup-roster-update-ricardo-pepis-injury-casts-a-shadow-on-americans-overseas-this-weekend\/#Italy\" >Italy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/23\/usmnt-world-cup-roster-update-ricardo-pepis-injury-casts-a-shadow-on-americans-overseas-this-weekend\/#Germany\" >Germany<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/23\/usmnt-world-cup-roster-update-ricardo-pepis-injury-casts-a-shadow-on-americans-overseas-this-weekend\/#France\" >France<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/01\/23\/usmnt-world-cup-roster-update-ricardo-pepis-injury-casts-a-shadow-on-americans-overseas-this-weekend\/#Others\" >Others<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>\n<p>The American forward was in exceptional shape before the World Cup, finding the net frequently and securing his position as a key player at PSV Eindhoven. Unfortunately, <strong>Ricardo Pepi<\/strong> faced a significant injury when he fractured his left forearm while scoring a goal.<\/p>\n<p>This incident occurred in the 23rd minute during a 5-1 victory over Excelsior, where Pepi landed awkwardly as he scored.<\/p>\n<section class=\"consent\"\/>\n<p>PSV\u2019s coach Peter Bosz remarked, &#8220;It didn\u2019t look promising from the start, and in these moments, you wish to believe otherwise.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Following his injury, Pepi was taken off the pitch and subsequently hospitalized. He underwent surgery on Sunday and will be sidelined for about two months, as confirmed by the club.<\/p>\n<p>In an update on his Instagram, Pepi wrote, &#8220;Every aspect of the game&#8230; BRB,&#8221; accompanied by an hourglass emoji.<\/p>\n<p>Boz added: &#8220;Pepi has been in excellent form and had a productive training camp, recovering well from the knee injury that kept him out last season. He&#8217;s gained confidence and found his rhythm again. This is extremely disappointing, especially considering he had a strong finish to last season. It&#8217;s tough for him, but it\u2019s also a setback for us.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Pepi managed to score in six of seven matches across all competitions, bringing his league tally to eight goals. In total, he has netted 11 times in 21 games.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"content-figure\">\n<div class=\"content-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi injured during the match between PSV Eindhoven and Excelsior Rotterdam at Philips Stadium during the Friedenrotteri Eredivisie Season 2025-2026 in Eindhoven, Netherlands, January 10, 2026. (Photo by Marcel van Dorst\/EYE4images\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"640\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"standard-img\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/ny\/api\/res\/1.2\/rvzONQo.VCcaKihsJKnFkg--\/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw\/https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/uu\/api\/res\/1.2\/wCKnBWhVgog8NgvuMqHyRA--~B\/aD0zOTM3O3c9NTkwNjthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--\/https:\/\/d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net\/images\/2026-01\/60f0323f-7f0a-4abb-931f-f490805ebdc5\"\/><button aria-label=\"View larger image\" class=\"lightbox-btn\" data-ylk=\"elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;\"><span class=\"lightbox-expand\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 22\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"size-4 lg:size-6\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\"><path d=\"M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/button><dialog aria-label=\"Image Lightbox\" class=\"lightbox-overlay\" aria-modal=\"true\"\/><\/div><figcaption class=\"fig-caption\">\n<div style=\"max-height:none;overflow:visible\">\n<p>PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi injured during the match between PSV Eindhoven and Excelsior Rotterdam at Philips Stadium during the Friedenrotteri Eredivisie Season 2025-2026 in Eindhoven, Netherlands, January 10, 2026. (Photo by Marcel van Dorst\/EYE4images\/NurPhoto via Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"caption-credit\">(NurPhoto, Getty Images)<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>With his increasing contributions on the pitch, Pepi was strongly positioned to attract attention from U.S. national team coach <strong>Mauricio Pochettino<\/strong> for the upcoming World Cup. While this injury will not automatically exclude him from the 26-man roster, it raises concerns about his availability for friendlies against Belgium and Portugal in late March\u2014the last opportunity for preparation before selections in late May.<\/p>\n<p>Given this lengthy recovery, Pepi will not only have to reclaim his starting role but also work hard to restore his scoring touch.<\/p>\n<p>American right-back <strong>Serginho Dest<\/strong> played full-time as PSV extended their lead over Feyenoord to 13 points.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading\" data-jump-link-target=\"\" id=\"england\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"England\"><\/span><strong>England<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Center-back <strong>Chris Richards<\/strong> and his team Crystal Palace have been struggling, with only nine wins since mid-December. On Saturday, things worsened as they fell 2-1 to Sixth Division Macclesfield in the FA Cup third round.<\/p>\n<p>The hosts, sitting 117 leagues below Palace, made history by being the first non-league team to eliminate the reigning FA Cup champions since 1908-09. Their coach is John Rooney, sibling of former superstar Wayne Rooney.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHonestly, there\u2019s no explanation for what we witnessed today,\u201d commented Palace coach Oliver Glasner.<\/p>\n<p>In cup matches, <strong>Anthony Robinson<\/strong> adapted to a wing-back role, helping Fulham secure a 3-1 win against Second Division Middlesbrough. Robinson assisted a goal from midfielder <strong>Aidan Morris<\/strong> in the 90th minute.<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder <strong>Brenden Aaronson<\/strong> (who came in at the end) helped Leeds win 3-1 against Derby County in the second division.<\/p>\n<p>Forward <strong>Haji Wright<\/strong> was part of Coventry City\u2019s squad in a 1-0 loss to Stoke City, failing to score in his past 14 games since netting twice for the national team.<\/p>\n<p>Forward <strong>Josh Sargent<\/strong> declined to play in Norwich City\u2019s 5-1 cup victory over Walsall, citing transfer concerns as the reason for his absence. &#8220;This isn&#8217;t something we want, and there will be repercussions,&#8221; manager Philippe Clement said, hinting at discussions that will need to occur at the club about Sargent\u2019s future amid interest from Toronto FC.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading\" data-jump-link-target=\"\" id=\"italy\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Italy\"><\/span><strong>Italy<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Forward <strong>Christian Pulisic <\/strong> played the full match as AC Milan drew 1-1 with Fiorentina, remaining in second place in Serie A. However, he hasn&#8217;t scored in three consecutive matches.<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder <strong>Yunus Musa<\/strong> made an impact by coming on in the 67th minute during Atalanta&#8217;s 2-0 victory against Torino\u2014marking their third consecutive clean sheet.<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder <strong>Weston McKennie <\/strong> had a standout performance for Juventus, contributing a goal in their 5-0 win over Cremonese, keeping their unbeaten streak alive.<\/p>\n<p>Goalkeeper <strong>Jonathan Klinsmann<\/strong> found his team Cesena on a three-match winless streak after a 1-0 loss to Empoli, leaving them in sixth position in Serie B.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading\" data-jump-link-target=\"\" id=\"germany\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Germany\"><\/span><strong>Germany<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Wing-back <strong>Joe Scally<\/strong> scored the first goal since October 2023 in M\u00f6nchengladbach&#8217;s 4-0 triumph over Augsburg.<\/p>\n<p>Since joining from New York City FC in 2021, he\u2019s netted three league goals and a total of four. <strong>Gio Reyna<\/strong> was substituted in the 85th minute, and defender <strong>Noah Okafor<\/strong> played the full match for Augsburg.<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder <strong>Malik Tillman<\/strong> was on the pitch for 90 minutes during Bayer Leverkusen\u2019s 4-1 home defeat to Stuttgart, where they managed to score from a penalty.<\/p>\n<p>Forward <strong>Damion Downs<\/strong> made his debut for Hamburg with a subdued performance, playing 78 minutes in their 2-1 loss to Freiburg.<\/p>\n<p>A match involving St. Pauli and RB Leipzig was postponed due to heavy snowfall in Hamburg, while US midfielder <strong>James Sands<\/strong> was inactive.<\/p>\n<p>Winger <strong>Kevin Paredes<\/strong> returned from a five-month injury absence, starting the match against Bayern Munich, which resulted in an 8-1 defeat for Wolfsburg.<\/p>\n<p>Left winger <strong>John Tolkien<\/strong> and Holstein Kiel will continue competing in the second division after the winter break.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading\" data-jump-link-target=\"\" id=\"france\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"France\"><\/span><strong>France<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In the French Cup Round of 32, forward <strong>Folarin Balogun<\/strong> scored during Monaco\u2019s 3-1 victory against Third Division Orleans, tallying eight goals in all competitions this season.<\/p>\n<p>Center-back <strong>Mark McKenzie<\/strong> captained Toulouse in their 1-1 draw, eventually winning on penalties (6-5) after missing his first attempt.<\/p>\n<p>In another cup match featuring top league clubs, midfielder <strong>Tanner Tessman<\/strong> contributed to Olympique Lyonnais\u2019 2-1 victory over Lille.<\/p>\n<p>Winger <strong>Tim Weah<\/strong> and Olympique de Marseille are set to face sixth-tier Bayeux in their cup match on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading\" data-jump-link-target=\"\" id=\"others\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Others\"><\/span><strong>Others<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Center-back <strong>Auston Trusty<\/strong> played the entire match for Celtic, who had a decisive 4-0 victory over Dundee United.<\/p>\n<p>Midfielder <strong>Johnny Cardoso<\/strong> and Atl\u00e9tico Madrid had a day off after being eliminated by Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals.<\/p>\n<p>Winger <strong>Alex Zendejas<\/strong> missed Club America&#8217;s 0-0 draw against Tijuana on the Liga MX Clausura season&#8217;s opening day for what appears to be an injury.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>As soccer fans, this news underscores the unpredictable nature of sports and how injuries can dramatically alter a player&#8217;s trajectory, especially ahead of crucial tournaments like the World Cup. Pepi&#8217;s situation not only affects his chances of representing the U.S. but also highlights the ongoing challenges athletes face in maintaining peak performance amid physical threats.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The American forward was in exceptional shape before the World Cup, finding the net frequently and securing his position as a key player at PSV Eindhoven. Unfortunately, Ricardo Pepi faced a significant injury when he fractured his left forearm while scoring a goal. This incident occurred in the 23rd minute during a 5-1 victory over [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38483,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[1472,5494,913,40,331,46,5289,7206,7205,1229,2497,45,1265,1200,389,42],"class_list":{"0":"post-38482","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-americans","9":"tag-casts","10":"tag-cup","11":"tag-football","12":"tag-injury","13":"tag-news","14":"tag-overseas","15":"tag-pepis","16":"tag-ricardo","17":"tag-roster","18":"tag-shadow","19":"tag-soccer","20":"tag-update","21":"tag-usmnt","22":"tag-weekend","23":"tag-world"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38482","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38482"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38482\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38483"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38482"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38482"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38482"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}