With just 35 days to go before the U.S. Men's National Team kicks off their FIFA World Cup campaign against Paraguay, head coach Mauricio Pochettino is facing a growing injury crisis. The latest setback? Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann has been ruled out for the remainder of the Ligue 1 season after suffering a muscle strain.

Tessmann, 24, has been a versatile asset for both club and country this season, even filling in at center back for Lyon. His injury was confirmed by Lyon boss Paulo Fonseca on Friday, who stated, "Tanner has a muscle strain; he won't play until the end of the season." While that sounds alarming, it's worth noting Lyon has just two games left—a trip to Toulouse and a home finale against Lens—so the immediate impact is limited.

The bigger concern is the lack of a clear recovery timeline. With the World Cup on the horizon, Tessmann's availability for the tournament remains uncertain. This is especially troubling given his recent form: he's featured in each of the USMNT's last six matches, starting three of them. For a player who seemed poised to be a key piece in Pochettino's midfield, this injury couldn't come at a worse time.

And Tessmann isn't alone in the treatment room. Fellow defensive midfielder Johnny Cardoso, on loan at Atletico Madrid, is also sidelined for the rest of the La Liga season after suffering a high-grade right ankle sprain. The club confirmed he'll undergo physiotherapy and rehabilitation, but his World Cup status is similarly up in the air.

For a team building momentum toward a home-adjacent World Cup (with matches across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada), these injuries are a stark reminder of how quickly plans can change. Pochettino will be hoping for positive news on both fronts as the countdown continues.