USMNT defender Sergiño Dest left the field in the 57th minute of PSV Eindhoven’s 2–1 win over AZ Alkmaar on Saturday after pulling up during a sprint inside his own penalty area.
The 25-year-old United States wing back grabbed his left hamstring and required assistance from medical staff as he exited the pitch.
The injury immediately raised concern for both PSV and the U.S. national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be played on home soil.
PSV head coach Peter Bosz addressed the moment after the match on Saturday.
“He landed on the ground after a full sprint and grabbed his hamstring,” Bosz said. “That’s usually not good news.”
Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
The club confirmed on Sunday that Dest will be sidelined "for the coming period," though the timeline remains unclear and PSV didn't share further details.
“PSV will be without Sergiño Dest for the coming period, medical examinations confirmed on Sunday,” the club said. “The 25-year-old defender was forced off during the home win against AZ with an upper leg injury. It is still difficult to predict exactly how long Dest will be sidelined.”
Despite the uncertainty, the focus remains on a return before the end of the campaign and ahead of the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which starts on July 11.
According to PSV, Dest is “aiming for a return towards the final phase of the season,” with the American defender adding his own message to the club's statement.
“I will do everything within my power to be fully fit again towards the end of the season, and I’m confident that will happen,” Dest said. “Thank you for the many heartwarming messages. That support only gives me extra motivation to work hard on my recovery.”
Dest also shared a message on Instagram following the match.
“I’m out for a little while to do what I love the most!” Dest wrote Sunday on Instagram. “But one thing for sure this is NOT the end of the season! I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that I’m coming back asap on the right timing! Thanks for the messages won’t let you guys down! ❤️🙏🏽”
Dest previously missed nearly 11 months after tearing his ACL in April 2024, and missing that year's Copa America. The wing-back has two goals in 37 appearances for the United States and started all four matches at the 2022 World Cup, logging 309 minutes of playing time and assisting one goal.
The USMNT hosts Belgium on March 28 and Portugal on March 31 in their final two friendlies before the World Cup.
