United States men’s national team star defender Sergino Dest could miss this summer’s critical Copa America after Dutch club PSV confirmed he will be out for an ‘extended period’ after a training injury.
Dest confirmed the injury himself on Instagram after PSV’s announcement, stating he will not be able to finish the season with the club.
Soon after PSV’s season ends next month, the United States men’s national team will call in more than 20 players for a camp ending with Copa America. A healthy Dest would be a lock to take one of those spots.
The exact nature of Dest’s injury, and how long he will be out of action for is unknown, with local media reporting a ‘serious knee injury’.
Dest was part of the Americans’ squad for last month’s CONCACAF Nations League triumphs over Jamaica and Mexico.
Dest has been one of the integral players for the current United States soccer resurgence
Dest confirmed the news of his injury and missing the rest of this season on Instagram
Dest has had a near-lock on the starting right back position for the USMNT for the last three years as a key figure in the program’s resurgence since missing the 2018 World Cup.
Ahead of being one of the host nations for the 2026 World Cup, the Copa America provides a rare opportunity for the United States to play non-North American competition in competitive matches outside of the quadrennial World Cup.
The United States was drawn into Group C for the Copa America alongside Bolivia, Uruguay, and Panama and are heavy favorites to advance to the quarterfinals.
The Americans first game of the tournament is June 23 against Bolivia.
If Dest is unable to compete in Copa America, the Americans options likely options to replace him would be Joe Scally and DeAndre Yedlin.