Johnny Cardoso is back in the Atlético Madrid squad for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Barcelona on Tuesday. The USMNT midfielder missed last week’s first leg due to fitness issues.
Cardoso, who has been in and out of the Atlético team since joining from Real Betis last summer, started his club’s last two matches before the March international break. Those came in high-profile clashes against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League and Real Madrid in LaLiga. However, he played only 45 minutes of the USMNT’s friendly against Belgium on March 28, after which it was reported he was dealing with muscle fatigue.
Cardoso injury confirmed after USMNT duty
The 24-year-old was released before the U.S.’ second March friendly against Portugal and returned to Madrid, where it was later confirmed he had suffered a thigh muscle injury.
That setback kept Cardoso out of LaLiga defeats to Barcelona and Sevilla, as well as the first leg of the quarterfinal. He has now been named in the Atlético squad for Tuesday’s return leg.
The American international will compete with Koke, Marcos Llorente, Rodri Mendoza and Obed Vargas for a starting spot in central midfield.
From New Jersey to the USMNT, via Brazil
Born in New Jersey to Brazilian parents, Cardoso moved to Brazil when he was just 3 months old. Despite growing up in South America, he began representing the USMNT at the under-23 level in 2019.
Cardoso made his senior debut for the United States in a friendly against Wales in November 2020 and has since earned 23 caps.
Atlético selection issues vs Barcelona
For Tuesday’s clash with Barça, Diego Simeone has a selection headache at the back, with defensive trio José María Giménez, David Hancko and Marc Pubill all unavailable.
Midfielder Pablo Barrios also remains absent, but goalkeeper Jan Oblak is back in contention after missing the last seven games with a muscle injury.
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