United States defender Sergiño Dest limped off with an apparent hamstring injury during PSV Eindhoven’s 2-1 win over AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie on Saturday, putting him in doubt for the national team’s upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal.
Dest grabbed his left hamstring and screamed in pain while covering his eyes after tumbling in his own penalty area chasing Alkmaar’s Wouter Goes in the second half. The fullback was substituted in the 57th minute, leaving the field with the assistance of two medical staff, unable to put weight on his left leg.
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“He landed on the ground after a full sprint and grabbed his hamstring. That’s usually not good news,” PSV coach Peter Bosz said.
The U.S. hosts Belgium on March 28 and Portugal on March 31 in warmup matches for the World Cup, which it is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada in June and July.
Dest, 25, has two goals in 37 international appearances and started all four U.S. matches at the 2022 World Cup.
He joined PSV from Barcelona but was sidelined for nearly 11 months after tearing an ACL in April 2024, missing that year’s Copa América.
If Dest is unable to play at the World Cup, versatile Juventus player Tim Weah — who is on loan at Marseille — could take his place. Alex Freeman and Joe Scally are also potential options.
Fellow American Ricardo Pepi scored PSV’s winner from close range in the 86th. It was his 10th league goal this season and 13th over 26 games in all competitions.
Pepi has two goals in three games since returning from a broken arm suffered in January.
“I am very happy that I was able to play 90 minutes and also scored,” Pepi said. “It feels good to be back and to contribute to this important victory at home.”
“Of course [this season] has been frustrating due to injuries and therefore I had to be patient, but I got myself through.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
