The U.S. striker's breakout campaign for the Dutch club is likely over
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USMNT's Pepi set to be out for seasonStriker just underwent surgeryGoal in mind to return for USMNT in summerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
U.S. international Ricardo Pepi looks set to be sidelined for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. The striker suffered a knee injury against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League in their group stage finale and underwent surgery to resolve the issue days later.
PSV manager Peter Bosz confirmed the news, stating he "assumes" he will not see the American for the rest of the campaign.
Sources tell GOAL that there is hope Pepi returns to training in May, ahead of a big summer on the international stage. However, his Eredivisie season is expected to be over, with the campaign coming to a wrap on May 18.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Pepi has had a splendid season for the Dutch club, with 11 goals and two assists in the Eredivisie and three goal contributions in the UCL. He was working his way into the picture with the USMNT under Mauricio Pochettino, too, with the 22-year-old starting both matches for the U.S. in November in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals.
Now, though, he has joined the list of U.S. strikers that are on the sideline at the moment with Monaco's Folarin Balogun, Coventry City's Haji Wright, and West Brom's Daryl Dike.
At PSV, Pepi also joins fellow Americans Malik Tillman and Sergino Dest on the sideline, with both being injured for the foreseeable future, too.
DID YOU KNOW?
PSV turned down a transfer offer of $26M from West Ham United for Pepi's services in January, GOAL confirmed.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR PEPI?
Pepi is set for a lengthy recovery period with the aim of being fit by the summer.
