USMNT striker and PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi said his injury is a "minor setback" and that his recovery has already begun. He aims to return to club action as soon as possible.
Who: Ricardo Pepi, striker for the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) and PSV Eindhoven.
What: He described his recent injury as a "minor setback" and said his recovery program has started.
When: The statement was made on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Where: Reported via ESPN Soccer.
Pepi, 24, sustained the issue during a national‑team training session in the international break. He did not disclose the exact nature of the injury but confirmed it does not require surgery and that he is undergoing physiotherapy to speed up healing.
Impact on the USMNT
The United States is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and relies heavily on Pepi as a primary goal‑scorer. His temporary absence may force coach Gregg Berhalter to tweak the attacking setup.
- Match vs. Canada – October 5, 2026.
- Match vs. Mexico – October 12, 2026.
- Friendly match – October 20, 2026.
Despite the setback, Pepi remains a key target for the USMNT, and the coach expects him to be back in full training by the end of October.
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