Drama for Johnny Cardoso: surgery and goodbye to the World Cup

Another blow for Johnny Cardoso, who ends his first season at Atlético Madrid overshadowed by injuries.

The latest setback — suffered in training the day after the loss to Arsenal — is far worse than initially believed. Atlético announced that the U.S. international will need surgery on his right ankle, ending any hope of making the USMNT roster for this summer’s World Cup.

Cardoso sustained the injury during Thursday’s session, a heavy impact that resulted in a high‑grade sprain with joint damage. According to reporting from AS, the injury includes a partial ligament tear and will sideline him for at least nine weeks.

Surgery is required to stabilize the ankle — a procedure that officially rules him out of the tournament where the United States will co‑host alongside Canada and Mexico. It’s a major loss for Mauricio Pochettino, who had been considering him for the squad.

A recurring nightmare: ankle injuries keep derailing Cardoso

Cardoso’s ankles have been a constant source of frustration. Last summer, an ankle issue kept him out of the final stages of the Gold Cup, where the U.S. reached the final. Later, he injured his left ankle just before Atlético’s trip to Anfield, where he was set to start as he began earning Diego Simeone’s trust. That setback sidelined him for two months.

Now it’s the right ankle forcing him into surgery.

Limited impact in his debut season

Cardoso appeared in 30 of Atlético’s 58 matches this season:

• 15 LaLiga games
• 10 Champions League matches
• 1 Spanish Super Cup appearance
• 4 Copa del Rey games

He even came close to being the Copa del Rey hero, but Real Sociedad goalkeeper Marrero stopped his one‑on‑one chance in the final minute of regulation before La Real won the trophy in the shootout.

Cardoso started 20 matches and logged 1,715 minutes, far below what Atlético envisioned when they signed him from Betis — largely because of his recurring injuries. He missed 17 games, and in a league match at Camp Nou he had to be subbed off after just 14 minutes due to another knock.

Atlético’s injury crisis deepens

Atlético’s controversial Champions League semifinal exit against Arsenal ended their hopes of winning silverware this season. And things aren’t easing up: ahead of tomorrow’s match against Osasuna, seven players are in the treatment room, and Álex Baena is suspended.

The injury list includes:

With Cardoso now out long‑term, Atlético’s midfield depth takes another hit at the worst possible moment.

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