SOCCER: Atletico's US midfielder Cardoso to have surgery, doubtful for World Cup

Atletico Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso will undergo surgery on his right ankle, the LaLiga club confirmed on Monday, dealing a major setback to his hopes of featuring at next month’s World Cup.

Cardoso suffered the injury during training last Thursday, with medical tests revealing a severe sprain that has affected the joint.

“Cardoso sustained the injury during training last Thursday, resulting in a severe sprain that has affected the joint,” Atletico said in a statement.

The injury marks another frustrating setback for the United States international, whose debut season with Atletico has been disrupted by fitness issues. The 24-year-old also saw limited action during the March international window, playing just 45 minutes in a friendly against Belgium.

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to announce his 26-man World Cup squad later this month, with the co-hosts already dealing with several injury concerns ahead of the tournament.

Captain Christian Pulisic recently missed matches for AC Milan due to a muscular problem, while Olympique de Marseille winger Tim Weah and Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Tanner Tessmann have also spent time on the sidelines.

The United States, who are co-hosting the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada, will play Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6 in warm-up matches. They will open their Group D campaign against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California.

They are also set to face Australia and Turkey in the group stage of the tournament. -Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters