There are many U.S. men’s national team players currently shining in their club seasons, but others are currently on the sidelines waiting for their opportunity to get back playing regularly.
Chris Richards, Gio Reyna, and Sergino Dest are just three of several players abroad who are out of the mix with their clubs. Both Richards and Reyna are fighting their way back in England and Germany respectively while Dest remains out long-term.
Several others are back in training, with game action right around the corner.
Here is a closer look at the expected return dates for the injured USMNT contingent:
Chris Richards
One of the centerbacks fighting to be part of the USMNT’s long-term picture will unfortunately have to wait until 2025 to represent on the international level.
Chris Richards isn’t expected back for Crystal Palace until late-November, manager Oliver Glasner confirmed earlier this month. Richards is out with a hamstring injury, which has also cost him crucial minutes in the Eagles backline.
The Alabama native has made six combined appearances this season, but will be stuck on that number for at least four-to-five more weeks.
Gio Reyna
Gio Reyna is on pace to return to the Borussia Dortmund plans in the coming weeks.
A re-aggravation of a groin strain has kept Reyna on the sidelines in Germany, which also forced him to miss Mauricio Pochettino’s first USMNT camp in charge. Reyna has made just one appearance for the Black and Yellow this season, continuing what has been a frustrating spell for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder.
Reyna has the talent to make a difference for Dortmund this season, but he needs to put a healthy string of performances together first before anything.
Sergino Dest
Don’t expect to see Sergino Dest back in 2024.
The USMNT fullback tore his ACL back in April which has sidelined him ever since. Dest missed the Copa America this past summer, as well as PSV’s unbeaten start to the Eredivisie campaign.
The 23-year-old did make the move to Eindhoven permanently from Barcelona which provides a great chance to play regularly. However, he will have to wait until the second half of the season to do so.
Folarin Balogun
Another USMNT player set to miss the November CONCACAF Nations League window is striker Folarin Balogun.
Balogun is set to be sidelined until late-November due to a shoulder injury suffered on October 4. The injury came at the worst time for Balogun, who was just starting to hit his stride in Ligue 1.
He had scored in three of last four appearances before suffering the injury against Rennes.
Balogun’s absence opens the No. 9 door once again for others in the USMNT pool.
Kevin Paredes
Wolfsburg should have the services of Kevin Paredes back before the November international break.
Paredes suffered an ankle injury in mid-August prior to the start of Wolfsburg’s competitive schedule. After delivering a strong showing at the Summer Olympics, the former DC United academy product was expected to play a big part for Wolfsburg this season.
Wolfsburg have struggled a bit through its opening eight league matches this fall, meaning Paredes’ return could be a welcomed one.
Caleb Wiley
Strasbourg will certainly welcome back the services of Chelsea loanee Caleb Wiley.
Wiley, who is on a season-long loan in Ligue 1 this season, is also expected back before the November international break. The former Atlanta United homegrown registered one assist in three league appearances after arriving from Chelsea, showing his versatility in the squad.
Another player fighting to be part of the USMNT plans in 2025, Wiley will have his time to shine.
Luca De La Torre
Luca De La Torre could also be part of the USMNT’s plans this November.
De La Torre has been out of action since the September international window after suffering an ankle injury. The Celta Vigo midfielder scored in a 2-1 friendly loss to Canada before also featuring against New Zealand.
However, he hasn’t featured for Celta Vigo since late-May, which is a worrying sign as the team sits 11th in La Liga.
Dante Polvara
Aberdeen has enjoyed a positive start to the Scottish Premiership campaign and will certainly want Dante Polvara back sooner rather than later.
Polvara enjoyed a breakout 2023-24 campaign for the Dons, scoring four goals and adding five assists in 40 combined appearances. However, a hamstring injury during preseason camp forced Polvara to the sidelines this summer, a spot where he’s remained since.
He’s expected to be back after the November international break, which is good news for Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin. Aberdeen has seven matches in December, which could be what makes or break them in the title race.
Daryl Dike
A recent hamstring setback has sidelined Daryl Dike once again.
Dike had been fighting to get back to first-team play with West Bromwich Albion after a torn Achilles last February. However, Baggies boss Carlos Corberan confirmed the latest setback for Dike, keeping him sidelined a bit longer.
It is undetermined when Dike will return to action, but West Brom will certainly hope he can play a part in the second half of the EFL Championship campaign.
John Brooks
John Brooks’ second debut with Hertha Berlin could come as early as next week.
Brooks returned to the German club this summer as a free agent signing. However, the veteran defender suffered an ankle injury on September 5, which has kept him out of action since.
The 31-year-old centerback is a welcomed return to the Hertha Berlin defense, who will aim to be part of the promotion picture in the 2. Bundesliga by season’s end.
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