USMNT rising star suffers brutal injury in Champions League, out for the season | OneFootball

News that nobody wanted to hear finds Ricardo Pepi out for the rest of the season for the USMNT and PSV Eindhoven. The knee injury he sustained in the Champions League against Liverpool required meniscus surgery, thus halting the rise of the striker. For the Americans, it is at a very untimely period of time given they will lose their No. 9. As for PSV, it's just the loss of a much-needed goal scorer. But the impact of his absence goes far beyond the stats.

The weight of Pepi’s absence for the USMNT

Pepi had been solidifying himself as the go-to striker for the USMNT. With crucial goals, including the game-winner against Jamaica, he finally seemed to bring stability to a position that had long been a question mark. But now, Pochettino will have to rethink his approach.

The US lose their attacking spearhead just one week ahead of the semifinals against Panama for the Nations League. This being a squad riddled with injury absences at present, to which must now be added an injured Pepi. And far from the just technical setback involved, the emotional blow that would be suffered for a squad slowly gaining its air of confidence by the hands of its new boss.

PSV loses big-time attacking weapon

Things are little different at club level as well. In great form, Pepi had netted 18 goals in 25 matches, with a key influence in PSV's Eredivisie title push and qualification to the knockout round of the Champions League. The Dutch club knew his importance, hence why they turned down a $25 million offer from West Ham United in January to secure his stay until 2030.

But without him, coach Peter Bosz will need to find his solutions - and fast. The final stretch of the season promises to be hot, and such a loss may cost too much. PSV does not have the time to think about this setback.

The injury is a setback of massive proportions, but the kid has shrugged off adversity before. A new deal shows that PSV believes in his recovery and long-term future, so for now, the USMNT must focus on an immediate replacement while hoping that Pepi returns stronger and ready for the 2026 World Cup.

His eventual absence might have changed the fortunes of two teams that had set big expectations on him. For now, it's a matter of who adjusts better to the unexpected loss.