USMNT midfielder diagnosed with muscle injury after leaving US camp early following friendly defeat to Belgium
Atlético Madrid have confirmed that Johnny Cardoso is dealing with a muscle injury after leaving the USMNT camp early during the international break.
The midfielder had featured in the first half of the USA’s 2-5 friendly defeat to Belgium before being withdrawn, and he subsequently returned to Spain, missing the friendly against Portugal.
This early departure had led to speculation among supporters, with some suggesting it was a pre-planned move to ensure he would be available for club duty ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
Atlético confirm muscle injury
However, Atlético Madrid have now confirmed that Cardoso is suffering from a muscular problem in his left thigh following medical tests carried out after his return.
The club’s statement indicates that the injury will require treatment and monitoring, with the player set to undergo physiotherapy and recovery work as he looks to return to full fitness.
This suggests that the issue is more serious than just a knock and that his absence from the friendly against the Portugal national team was more than just a precaution.
However, not everyone in the USA has seen it that way, with suspicions that this may be another case of a high-profile player putting club before country.
US reaction and Landon Donovan criticism
Cardoso’s early exit from the USMNT camp had already drawn criticism in the United States, with fans questioning the decision to allow him to leave before the Portugal friendly. USMNT legend Landon Donovan also addressed the situation on his podcast.
Prefacing the comments by saying he was passed on the information that Atletico had said he was fine, Landon Donovan made his feelings clear on Johnny Cardoso’s early return to his club.
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“Why are you leaving camp? Clearly that’s his decision,” he said on the Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan & Tim Howard podcast.
“Every second these guys are together matters. Forgot about playing or not – just to be around each other. And I’m confused a little bit because Pochettino in the summer, around the Gold Cup last year, made it every clear what the expectation was: ‘This is what is expected, and you have to show you want to be here…’
“But these kind of decisions, it’s not just what it does to Johnny Cardoso, it’s the message it sends to the group too.”
The Atletico statement since then, however, suggests that the decision was influenced by a genuine physical issue rather than a purely precautionary move. The question remains, however, why didn’t he remain with the camp and do rehab work while bonding with his USMNT teammates.
With his club now managing his recovery, attention will turn to whether Cardoso can return in time for the upcoming clashes against Barcelona, with his fitness likely to be assessed on a day-to-day basis this week.
Pressure builds ahead of Barcelona clashes
While Cardoso’s withdrawal from the national team may have been seen as convenient, the timing of the injury is far from ideal for Atlético Madrid, who face a demanding run of fixtures including key LaLiga and Champions League matches against Barcelona.
Cardoso has become an important option in midfield, and his availability could be crucial as Diego Simeone’s side compete on multiple fronts during the closing stages of the season.
Los Colchoneros now face Barça three times in the next two weeks, starting with Saturday’s LaLiga clash in Madrid. That is followed by the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Atlético then travel to face Sevilla on league duty on the Saturday before facing Barcelona once again at the Estadio Metropolitano on Tuesday, April 14. An intense run of games that Simeone will want as many options as possible for.