With the FIFA World Cup well under two months from kick off in Mexico City, Mauricio Pochettino and the U.S. Men’s National Team has been given a positive update on the status of right back Sergiño Dest.
The 25-year-old missed their most recent defeats to Belgium and Portugal, and PSV’s past four Eredivisie games, due to a hamstring injury picked up in early March against AZ Alkmaar.
Thankfully, with PSV having already previously said they hoped Dest would be able to play again this season, he has shed a positive light on his road to recovery.
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“I'm doing really well. I had great sessions, and I'm almost back,” he said during a recent USMNT Q&A, via USA Today. “I worked really hard for this moment, so I'm gonna be there. I'm gonna be fine. And no worries.”
This follows a recent comment from PSV boss Peter Bosz that Dest’s recovery was going well and that they still expected him to return before the season's end, as per Rik Elfrink.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Dest has had to deal with a long-term injury, having previously missed almost a year due to a cruciate ligament tear, returning to action in March 2024. Prior to this, he had also dealt with various injuries during his stints with Barcelona and AC Milan, having initially broken through at Ajax.
In a recent interview with Sport Nieuws, Dest explained how his almost year-long recovery between 2024 and 2025 left him seriously questioning his future. “Everything was going downhill, so I started thinking about which clubs I wouldn't be able to go to anymore,” he admitted.
“That's when I got emotional. I had worked so hard, wanted to get back up, and then you end up in a phase like that. I did grieve for a while, but ultimately I had to move forward again to still have a positive influence. I also play for a great club now. It was a fantastic choice and I have absolutely no regrets.”
This particular injury also forced Dest to rethink his approach to fitness, commenting, “I can no longer afford not to work out in the gym.”
Thankfully, it appears his latest setback shouldn’t impact his ability to perform at the World Cup - something Pochettino will be delighted to hear, given his importance to the USMNT’s defense.
Arguably one of the most talented defenders the USMNT has available, Dest will likely start alongside the likes of Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards, Charlotte FC’s Tim Ream, and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson - although Pochettino also sometimes opts to go for a back five, in which case Miles Robinson of FC Cincinnati seems a safe bet for the final spot.
The USMNT will begin its World Cup warm-up on May 31 against Senegal before taking on four-time champions Germany on June 6 in their final friendly ahead of the U.S., Mexico, and Canada-based tournament.
Pochettino’s team, which has been drawn into Group D, will first take on Paraguay on June 12, before hosting Australia on June 19, and finally Türkiye on June 25.