The U.S. men’s national team’s attacking depth took another hit ahead of its game against Jamaica in a Concacaf Nations League match during the November international break. Josh Sargent is set to be out until 2025 due to surgery on a groin injury, according to the Athletic. The Norwich City striker missed the weekend’s game against Cardiff City and the update provided by his manager Johannes Hof Torup was not positive.
“He (Sargent) will need surgery, so we’re talking eight weeks,” Thorup said. “It’s not an ideal scenario for anyone. We have options and possibilities for other players to come in.”
Sargent scored four goals to add five assists in the Championship and was likely to start the Concacaf Nations League match alongside Mauricio Pochettino. Folarin Balogun has also been ruled out for the November international break due to injury, meaning Ricardo Pepi and Brandon Vazquez could be his best attackers in these crucial matches.
USMNT regulars like Tim Weah will be healthy enough to return during that time, and with Pepi struggling for playing time and Vazquez not producing much for the national team, it’s unclear whether the duo will be able to make enough of a push. There are concerns about this. The Red, White and Blue have claimed another Concacaf Nations League title.
Sargent’s injury is also a big blow to Norwich City. The Canaries are just three points out of the Championship play-offs but currently sit in 10th place and will now have to move forward without their talisman for quite some time. Sargent has become such an integral part of the team that it would be quite difficult for Norwich to aim for a play-off spot without him.
The USMNT will play Jamaica away on November 15 and 19 before playing at home to decide who will advance to the Konakacaf Nations League finals.
