Johnny Cardoso, the Atlético de Madrid midfielder, will undergo surgery after suffering a serious ankle injury during training last Thursday. The Spanish club confirmed on Monday that the American international has been diagnosed with a high-grade sprain with joint involvement, ending his season prematurely and, barring a major surprise, ruling him out of the upcoming World Cup.
“The American sustained a trauma in training last Thursday that led to a high-grade sprain with joint involvement,” the club explained in an official statement, adding a message of support: “We send you lots of encouragement and strength, Johnny.”
The news is a heavy blow for both Atlético and the United States national team. With just a month until the World Cup kicks off, Cardoso’s participation appears impossible. The 24-year-old defensive midfielder is a key figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, alongside stars like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie. His absence deals a severe setback to a U.S. side that is co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada and had high hopes for a strong showing.
The injury is another tough moment in an inconsistent first season for Cardoso at Atlético, plagued by fitness issues. He already missed over a month earlier this season with a similar ankle sprain. When healthy, however, he proved to be a reliable option for manager Diego Simeone, providing balance in midfield and allowing Koke to focus more on attacking play.
Cardoso joins a growing list of high-profile players sidelined from the World Cup due to injury, including Éder Militão, Rodrygo Goes, Xavi Simons, Serge Gnabry, and Hugo Ekitiké.
