USMNT
Why isn’t Sergiño Dest playing at the Copa América with USMNT?
Gregg Berhalter was delivered a significant setback with the news last month that the defender will be out of action for some time with an ACL injury.
The 2024 Copa América is about to commence and is set to be hosted by the United States as a precursor to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Gregg Berhalter is hoping to use the tournament as a learning vehicle as he prepares his side for the 2026 event which will be staged in Mexico, Canada and the USA.
Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia are the USMNT’s group stage rivals and US fans will be hoping that a team boasting talented individuals such as Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Weah, McKennie, Musah, Ream, Turner can go deep into the tournament.
No Dest at the Copa América
There was a small setback for the US coach however last month with the news that 23-year-old defender Sergiño Dest would play no role in the 2024 Copa.
The on-loan PSV Eindhoven player suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury and is now undergoing rehabilitation with his parent club FC Barcelona with it unlikely that the defender will return to action in 2024 with nine months being the average full recovery time-frame.
“Hello fans, this is Sergiño. I wanted to tell you about my injury. Unfortunately I tore my anterior cruciate ligament and will soon have surgery. I'm going to do my best to get back to my level as soon as possible. It will be a hard period for me, but I know that all this will make me stronger and I will return to make you proud, see you soon," he commented on his social networks on May 1.
“I was very surprised when I heard the news. I never thought this would happen to me! It’s a difficult moment, but I will face it, I will come back stronger and I will make everyone proud again.
Thank you for all the messages and support!” he added after the severity of his injury became known.