The United States men’s national team is gearing up for their Concacaf Nations League semifinal clash with Panama at SoFi stadium this Thursday. Coach Mauricio Pochettino will need to adjust his lineup due to the absence of several players. While Antonee Robinson, Johnny Cardoso, and Auston Trusty are sidelined with health issues, Sergino Dest and Folarin Balogun are also notably missing from the squad.
Sergino Dest recently made his comeback for PSV in early March after recovering from an ACL tear that had kept him out since April 2024. He marked his return on March 8th as a substitute in PSV’s 2-1 victory over Heerenveen. Since then, he has made one more appearance for the Dutch club, starting and playing 62 minutes in a win against RKC Waalwijk.
Reasons for Dest’s USMNT Absence
Despite his return to club football with PSV, Dest was not included in the USMNT roster, a decision that is understandable. Having played only limited minutes in the past year due to injury, it is considered more beneficial for his fitness to remain with PSV during this international break rather than rushing back to play for the national team. Dest has been a key player for the USMNT, especially under Gregg Berhalter, and his playing style aligns with Pochettino’s approach. However, prioritizing his full recovery is crucial.
Joe Scally has proven to be a capable replacement at right back in Dest’s absence, ensuring the USMNT remains competitive in this tournament. Similar to the careful management of Tyler Adams’ recovery at Bournemouth, the USMNT is taking a cautious approach with Dest. Adams, now recovered, is set to make his first appearance under Pochettino. This situation mirrors Dest’s, emphasizing a focus on long-term player health and readiness.
Pochettino has emphasized the importance of maintaining positive relationships with club teams, a strategy that could be beneficial in the future. With the Gold Cup approaching this summer, there will be further opportunities for Pochettino to assess Dest in a competitive national team setting as preparations for the 2026 World Cup continue. While the World Cup is drawing closer, there is still time to finalize the best team composition.
