Heading into the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, the USMNT faces a challenging path after having recently endured four straight defeats. Yet, they remain among the top contenders for the title. However, the squad must navigate the tournament without key contributors. Injuries and absences, most notably the loss of Sergiño Dest, present significant challenges.
According to USMNT reports, Sergiño Dest will miss the competition due to fitness concerns. The PSV star has been carefully recovering from an ACL injury. This setback sidelined him for nearly 11 months. Nevertheless, Dest made a return to the field in March 2025.
Despite having returned to the pitch, the player and the USMNT medical staff decided not to rush his comeback. Participating in such a physically demanding tournament could jeopardize his recovery. They mutually opted to prioritize his long-term health by excluding him from the Gold Cup roster.
Sergiño Dest’s absence poses a significant challenge for the team. Before his injury, he had reclaimed his top form. He earned recognition as one of the team’s standout players and contributed to their league championship victory. Careful management of his physical workload will help him reestablish himself at the elite level. Consequently, he can return to the USMNT in top condition.
Sergiño Dest,
Sergiño Dest opens up on painful ACL injury recovery at PSV
After an underwhelming stint at FC Barcelona, Sergiño Dest found a fresh start with PSV at the onset of the 2023-24 season. The loan move rejuvenated his career, as he emerged as a key offensive force and standout performer for the Dutch side. However, an unfortunate ACL injury in April 2024 threatened to derail his progress just as his loan spell neared its conclusion. Despite the setback, PSV demonstrated their faith in him, securing a permanent transfer from Barcelona.
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Dest then embarked on a 322-day recovery journey, separated from the field but supported by PSV’s medical team. “…They were very complicated months,” he confessed. “I had to relearn how to walk. I couldn’t even lift a kilogram with my leg. It was really strange. This teaches us to value the importance of a healthy body,” he shared, as reported by Diario Sport.
Triumphantly, Sergiño returned to the pitch, quickly reaching his peak form again. He demonstrated remarkable resilience, particularly in a crucial match against Sparta Rotterdam that secured the league title for PSV. With his skills back on full display, he could soon capture the attention of elite European teams. However, maintaining consistent performance and staying in competitive rhythm will be crucial for such prospects.
