Ricardo Pepi Calls Injury a 'Minor Setback,' Out of USMNT Friendlies
The PSV Eindhoven striker will focus on recovery in the Netherlands, replaced on the U.S. roster by Damion Downs.
Ricardo Pepi, a striker for the U.S. men’s national team, will miss upcoming international friendlies after sustaining an injury while playing for his club team, PSV Eindhoven. Pepi, 23, described the situation as a “minor setback” in a statement released Tuesday.
Pepi was substituted early in PSV Eindhoven’s match against FC Twente in the top tier of Dutch professional football. He has since begun his recovery in Eindhoven, Netherlands. His absence from the U.S. squad for the September-October international window has led to the call-up of St. Louis City SC attacker Damion Downs.
“Thanks to everyone for the warm messages,” Pepi said in a message posted to PSV’s website. “Unfortunately, this is just a minor setback. I have already started my recovery to be back as soon as possible and help the team.”
The club has not specified a timeline for Pepi's return. PSV's next match is not until October 9 against Heerenveen.
The U.S. men's national team is scheduled to play four friendlies during the current international window, with matches against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada. The team will also compete in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals in November.
Pepi’s injury marks one of several notable absences for the U.S. squad during this camp, the first since the conclusion of the World Cup. World Cup participant Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic were also not included on the roster, though both have faced recent health concerns. Pulisic scored for AC Milan over the weekend, and Balogun recently appeared as a substitute for AS Monaco.
U.S. head coach Gregg Berhalter noted last week that the current camp is a “fresh start” for all players, emphasizing that past performance, including World Cup results, would not dictate selection for the new cycle.