We are almost two months away from the 2026 World Cup, and every player is aware of it. Every game before that date is an opportunity to get injured and miss the biggest soccer tournament of the year.
Unfortunately for Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT striker Patrick Agyemang has suffered an Achilles tendon injury, meaning he is not available for the World Cup this summer.
Agyemang’s injury occurred on Monday against Stoke City. As a consequence, Pochettino loses an important player on the attack.
USMNT legend Landon Donovan sent his support to the injured striker on Instagram after hearing the terrible news, while also discussing possible replacements for the U.S. team.
Landon Donovan Not Ruling Out an Unexpected Replacement
In the last two international friendly matches, the Argentinian coach used Agyemang as the first change in the attack, either replacing Christian Pulisic or Folarin Balogun. In those two games, the 25-year-old striker scored one goal in the defeat against Belgium.
Nevertheless, this sets a dark picture for Pochettino and his potential call-up for the World Cup, as May 30 is the final day to submit the squad list.
Donovan said on IG, “It’s interesting to see how Pochettino adjusts and pivots here, it doesn’t mean that another striker comes for replacement.”
The former Tottenham coach has the tools to mix the squad after this news. With the striker position already filled with Pulisic or Balogun, the other player whose name takes strength is Ricardo Pepi.
The 23-year-old striker for PSV was behind Patrick Agyemang in Pochettino’s considerations. However, everything has now taken an unexpected turn, and Ricardo Pepi is gaining ground.
Although Landon Donovan is right, a major issue for the United States is not its attacking line but its midfield.
As a result, the coach may choose to call up an extra midfielder to strengthen the defense, providing more support to the back four and maintaining tighter, more compact lines to address the team's defensive challenges.
