Johnny Cardoso is again within the Atlético Madrid squad for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Barcelona on Tuesday. The USMNT midfielder missed final week’s first leg resulting from health points.
Cardoso, who has been out and in of the Atlético group since becoming a member of from Real Betis final summer time, began his membership’s final two matches earlier than the March worldwide break. Those got here in high-profile clashes against Tottenham Hotspur within the Champions League and Real Madrid in LaLiga. However, he performed solely 45 minutes of the USMNT’s pleasant against Belgium on March 28, after which it was reported he was coping with muscle fatigue.
Cardoso harm confirmed after USMNT obligation
The 24-year-old was launched earlier than the U.S.’ second March pleasant against Portugal and returned to Madrid, the place it was later confirmed he had suffered a thigh muscle harm.
That setback saved Cardoso out of LaLiga defeats to Barcelona and Sevilla, in addition to the primary leg of the quarterfinal. He has now been named within the Atlético squad for Tuesday’s return leg.
The American worldwide will compete with Koke, Marcos Llorente, Rodri Mendoza and Obed Vargas for a beginning spot in central midfield.
From New Jersey to the USMNT, through Brazil
Born in New Jersey to Brazilian dad and mom, Cardoso moved to Brazil when he was simply 3 months outdated. Despite rising up in South America, he started representing the USMNT on the under-23 stage in 2019.
Cardoso made his senior debut for the United States in a pleasant against Wales in November 2020 and has since earned 23 caps.
Atlético choice points vs Barcelona
For Tuesday’s clash with Barça, Diego Simeone has a range headache on the again, with defensive trio José María Giménez, David Hancko and Marc Pubill all unavailable.
Midfielder Pablo Barrios additionally stays absent, however goalkeeper Jan Oblak is again in competition after lacking the final seven video games with a muscle harm.
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