U.S. soccer fans are holding their breath.
USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams sustained what is believed to be medial collateral ligament damage during Bournemouth’s four-all draw with Manchester United on Monday.
Adams was injured during the opening minutes of the match while attempting to block a shot by Matheus Cunha, leading to both players making contact with the ball at the same time.
The USMNT star went to the ground quickly after, showing signs of pain as he called for Bournemouth’s medical staff.
Adams was helped up and walked to the sideline with a clear limp.
He was spotted trying to jog it off on the sideline before he shook his head in disappointment.
Alex Scott came into the match to replace Adams.
“He’s the worst news from the game, definitely,” Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola told reporters about Adams’ injury after the match. “The knee twisted, I think the MCL. We’ll have to check and see if it is a small sprain or bigger.
“To lose a player like Tyler for us is massive, especially when you don’t have Lewis Cook [suspended]. Alex [Scott] has to play in that holding midfield position and he has done it really well, but it’s bad news for us because Tyler is massive for us.”
Iraola is expected to have an update on Adams ahead of Bournemouth’s next match on Saturday against Burnley.
The loss of Adams would be a blow for his Premier League club, but the injury will have U.S. Men’s National Team staffers keeping a watchful eye on the developments with the World Cup less than six months away.
Adams, who served as captain of the 2022 World Cup squad, has been a crucial player for the Americans and a regular presence in the starting XI for the USMNT when he’s been healthy.
The USMNT will not reconvene until March as time dwindles for head coach Mauricio Pochettino to decide on his roster for the World Cup.
Adams was not part of the October and November USMNT camps, missing the first because of the birth of his child and having to skip the second due to injury.
The United States will play friendlies against Belgium and Portugal in March and the real concern will be Adams’ status in June when the World Cup begins.
The USMNT opens the tournament on June 12 with a match against Paraguay.
