USMNT defender Serginio Dest has suffered a “serious knee injury” which could see him miss the Copa America this summer.
The 23-year-old, who is on loan at the Dutch club PSV from Barcelona, is said to have sustained the injury in training and will be out for an “extended period.”
The injury could put his participation at this summer’s Copa America in doubt. The United States are hosting the competition which begins on June 20.
A statement from PSV read: “Sergiño Dest suffered what appears to be a serious knee injury during Saturday’s training session.
“How long the winger will be sidelined is still being investigated. That it will be an extended period is almost certain.”
Dest has made 37 appearances for PSV in all competitions this season, scoring two goals and providing seven assists.
He has played an important role in helping his side gain a nine-point lead at the top of Eredivisie with four league games left to play.
How big of a blow is this for the USMNT?
Analysis by The Athletic’s Jeff Reuter
Sunday’s news comes as a major blow to the U.S. men’s national team ahead of this summer’s Copa América. Dest has been a mainstay at right back under Gregg Berhalter, one of a handful of players who are nearly certain to start when available.
In particular, his partnership with Tim Weah has made the right flank an area of strength for the USMNT, particularly when a midfielder like Weston McKennie drifts right to overload the wide space.
If Dest is unable to recover in time for the Copa América’s June kickoff, Joe Scally would project as next-in-line to start on the right.
The former NYCFC academy product has 9 senior caps and was part of Berhalter’s 23-man roster at the 2022 World Cup. He would change how the team has to play and create on the right, however, as he’s more of a traditional wide defender compared to Dest’s attacking-focused approach.
Others who could factor for consideration include Shaq Moore, DeAndre Yedlin, and Reggie Cannon. Given the number of quality midfielders available, we also shouldn’t rule out the possibility of Tyler Adams returning to his former position at right back.
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