Why isn’t Johnny Cardoso playing for Atletico de Madrid against Barcelona? The USMNT midfielder’s injury report

Johnny Cardoso has been in and out of the Atlético Madrid team since joining from Real Betis last summer, and the USMNT midfielder will definitely be out when Diego Simeone’s side takes on Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday.

Cardoso started Atleti’s last two games before the March international break, high-profile clashes against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League and Real Madrid in LaLiga. However, he played only 45 minutes of the USMNT’s friendly against Belgium, after which it was reported he was suffering from muscle fatigue.

Injury confirmed after USMNT duty

The 24-year-old was released before the U.S.’ second March friendly against Portugal and returned to Madrid, where it was discovered he had actually suffered a thigh muscle injury.

Although the issue is not thought to be serious, Cardoso, who did not feature in the weekend league defeat to Barça, has yet to resume training, ruling him out of Wednesday’s game at Spotify Camp Nou.

Cardoso’s race against time for Barça second leg

It is hoped the midfielder will return to action soon, although the clock is already ticking for him to be ready in time for next week’s return leg, to be played at the Metropolitano on Tuesday, April 14.

In between the two Champions League games against Barcelona, Atlético Madrid travels to Sevilla at the weekend. Whether Cardoso is considered for selection for Saturday’s LaLiga clash will give a clearer indication of his chances of being available for the second leg of the quarterfinal.

Atlético missing key players in Barcelona

In addition to Cardoso, Atleti will also be without first-choice goalkeeper Jan Oblak, defender José María Giménez, and midfielder Pablo Barrios in Barcelona.

From New Jersey to the USMNT

Born in New Jersey to Brazilian parents, Cardoso moved to Brazil when he was just three months old. Despite growing up in South America, he began representing the USMNT at under-23 level in 2019.

Cardoso made his debut for the senior team in a friendly against Wales in November 2020 and has amassed 23 caps.

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