Johnny Cardoso set for ankle surgery as World Cup hopes thrown into serious doubt

"Cardoso picked up the injury in training last Thursday, leading to a serious sprain that has impacted the joint," Atletico stated.

This marks the most recent challenge for Cardoso, as his first season with Atletico has been disrupted by multiple injuries. The 24-year-old had restricted playing time in the March international break, appearing for just 45 minutes in a match versus Belgium.

US manager Mauricio Pochettino should announce his 26-player World Cup roster towards the end of this month, while the co-hosting nation deals with several injury issues.

Team captain Christian Pulisic sat out recent games for AC Milan due to a muscle injury, and Marseille forward Tim Weah along with Olympique Lyonnais player Tanner Tessmann are also out of action.

The US, sharing hosting duties with Mexico and Canada, are scheduled to meet Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6 in preparation games prior to starting their Group D matches against Paraguay in Inglewood, California, on June 12.

Further opponents Australia and Turkey await them in the tournament proper.