US injuries mount ahead of World Cup

LONDON, England (AP):

AC Milan right back Sergiño Dest is the latest injury worry for the United States ahead of the World Cup, and Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner missed his third straight match yesterday.

Dest did not play in Milan’s Champions League group stage finale against Salzburg on Wednesday because of adductor fatigue. The club said yesterday – Dest’s 22nd birthday – that the decision was a precaution.

Loaned to Milan from Barcelona, Dest has been limited to two starts and six substitute appearances this season.

Turner did not dress for the Gunners’ Europa League group stage finale against Zurich. Turner has not played since October 20 against PSV Eindhoven and has been limited to four Europa League matches as Arsenal’s No. 2 goalkeeper behind Aaron Ramsdale.

It appears Turner’s last chance for playing time ahead of the World Cup is the League Cup third-round match against Brighton next Wednesday, the day US coach Gregg Berhalter plans to announced his 26-man World Cup roster.

The United States have many injury worries.

Celta Vigo said Friday that midfielder Luca de la Torre has a leg injury that will sideline him for three weeks.

Central defender Cameron Carter-Vickers missed Glasgow Celtic’s Champions League match at Real Madrid on Wednesday because of soreness after playing 90 minutes during Sunday’s 3-0 Scottish Premier League win at Livingston, which has an artificial turf surface.

Forward Josh Sargent missed Norwich’s match against visiting Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday in England’s second-tier League Championship. The 22-year-old from O’Fallon, Missouri, who has eight goals for Norwich this season, injured a calf against Burnley on October 25 and also missed Saturday’s match against Stoke.

Norwich manager Dean Smith said Tuesday that Sargent could return for Saturday’s game at Rotherham.

Midfielder Weston McKennie injured a thigh Saturday during Juventus’ 1-0 win at Lecce and is not expected to play another club match before the World Cup break.

Back in the World Cup after missing the 2018 tournament, the US open against Wales on November 21, play England in a Black Friday matchup four days later and close group play on November 29 against Iran.