An injury to Sergiño Dest has created fresh concerns for Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just three months away. Dest was forced off during PSV Eindhoven’s 2–1 win over AZ Alkmaar after clutching his left hamstring early in the second half. The right back immediately signaled discomfort and left the pitch. This raised fears about his availability for the upcoming international window.
Sergiño Dest Injury Creates Concern for USMNT
PSV did not immediately provide a recovery timetable. However, the injury is expected to keep Dest out of the United States’ upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal. Those matches represent the final international camp before Pochettino announces his World Cup squad on May 26.
The setback is particularly concerning given Dest’s recent injury history. The 25-year-old missed the 2024 Copa América after suffering a serious ACL tear. Despite the latest setback, Dest remained optimistic about returning before the end of the domestic season.
In an Instagram post, he reassured supporters that he intends to return quickly. “I’m out for a little while to do what I love the most,” he wrote. “But one thing for sure this is NOT the end of the season! I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that I’m coming back asap on the right timing.”
Before the injury, Dest had been enjoying an impressive season in the Eredivisie. He had started 24 league matches for PSV, who currently sit at the top of the table. Their record is 22-2-2. The defender has contributed one goal and four assists. He also ranks among the club’s most influential players in minutes played. Dest has featured prominently in Europe as well, starting five matches in the UEFA Champions League this season.
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While Dest’s technical ability and attacking instincts make him unique in the U.S. squad, Pochettino still has right-back alternatives. Tim Weah, usually a winger for Olympique de Marseille, often plays right back for the national team. Other options are Alex Freeman of Villarreal CF and full-back Joe Scally.
The United States will start its final preparations on May 27 at the new national training center near Atlanta. Two friendlies are scheduled before the tournament: against Senegal on May 31 in Charlotte and against Germany on June 6 in Chicago. Pochettino’s side will then kick off their World Cup campaign on June 12 against Paraguay in Inglewood, California. The team hopes Dest will be fully fit by the tournament’s start.
