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The injury bug has never been all that kind to the U.S. men’s national team during the 2022 World Cup cycle, so expecting a full-strength squad in November always seemed like somewhat of a pipe dream. Nevertheless, the recent rash of injury woes is getting a bit out of hand, even by U.S. standards, and with first kick in Qatar a little over six months away, some of the hypothetical roster scenarios are starting to get a bit more real.
Following injuries that cut Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Sergiño Dest and Chris Richards’s club campaigns short came what appears to be a more significant, long-term blow. Miles Robinson, the Atlanta United captain and center back who has carved out a regular role at the heart of the U.S. defense, crumpled to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium turf in a heap Saturday night, following a noncontact injury to his left Achilles. Atlanta United manager Gonzalo Pineda feared the worst before an MRI, and Robinson’s immediate reaction spoke volumes as he pounded the ground in anger before being stretchered off. Those presumptions were confirmed Monday by Atlanta, which announced a torn Achilles, and Robinson’s hopes of going to the World Cup are effectively toast. Even the most optimistic of recovery timelines would cast overwhelming doubt on him being in World Cup shape come mid-November.
