The U.S. Men's National Team has been dealt a potentially devastating blow just weeks before the World Cup, as midfielder Johnny Cardoso suffered a "high-grade" right ankle sprain during training with Atlético Madrid on Thursday, May 7.

The timing couldn't be worse for the 24-year-old, who had just come on as a 57th-minute substitute in Atlético's heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the Champions League semifinal second leg just two days prior. Now, instead of building momentum for the biggest stage in soccer, Cardoso faces an uphill battle to be fit in time.

Atletico Madrid confirmed the injury in an official statement, revealing that Cardoso was unable to complete Thursday's training session after suffering the ankle issue. Medical tests later classified it as a "high-grade sprain," a term that sends shivers down any player's spine—especially with a World Cup roster deadline looming on May 26.

While the full extent of the injury remains unclear, the "high-grade" classification is cause for serious concern. Even a low-grade ankle sprain can sideline a player for several weeks, making Cardoso's path to recovery a race against the clock.

For the USMNT, this is a tough pill to swallow. Cardoso has earned 23 caps for the national team but has struggled to find consistent playing time, making just five international appearances since the start of 2025. He was already considered on the bubble for the World Cup squad, and this injury only complicates his chances further.

With the roster announcement just weeks away, Cardoso will now focus on intensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation work in the gym, hoping for a swift recovery. But for a player fighting for his spot on the plane to the World Cup, every day counts—and this setback is a heavy one.