The PSV rules out Ricardo Pepi (Knee Surgery) from the US for the season

PSV Eindhoven on Friday said the United States male team striker. Ricardo Pepi It is likely to be for the rest of the season after undergoing meniscus surgery in the United States after a knee injury suffered in January during a match of the Champions League against Liverpool.

Pepi scored the winning end of the game in the 3-2 victory over Liverpool, a result that guaranteed the PSV in the top 16 of the League phase, but was forced to leave the game in the 76th minute after being treated by The knee injury.

Pepi confirmed surgery Through your Instagram account Earlier this week: “The surgery went well to all! Thank you very much for the warm messages and stay in your thoughts. I love you boys ‍��”

The sources told ESPN last week that one or three months would be lost. However, on Friday, a source with knowledge of Pepi’s injury said surgery was needed to repair the torn meniscus, and that the player will probably be marginalized during the months, “give or take a few weeks.”

The Eredivisie season ends on May 18.

PSV coach Peter Bosz said Friday In the social networks of the team: “We assume that Ricardo Pepi will be out for the rest of the season.”

The sources of the US National Male team. UU. They have not commented on how the loss will affect the team, which has a semifinal of the Concacaf Nations League against Panama scheduled for March 20 and a possible end three days later.

The lesion comes at an especially inopportune time for Pepi. Last week, he signed an extension of the contract that will keep him in the Eredivisie Club until the summer of 2030.

The native of El Paso, Texas, has stood out with PSV this season with 18 goals in 25 appearances in the league and cup, although that has often been in the role of a substitute in support of the usual head Jong Luuk.

Pepi was also subject to a transfer offer of $ 25 million by the Premier League West Ham United team, although PSV rejected.

Pepi has also been in excellent form internationally, scoring in both legs of the confrontation of quarterfinals of the Concacaf Nations League against Jamaica.

Pepi’s injury leaves the United States manager, Mauricio Pochettino, with the challenge of looking for a replacement ahead of the Nations League. It has 13 goals in 33 games for the USMNT, where it has been a regular accessory before the 2026 World Cup.

On Friday, PSV technical director, Ernie Stewart He told ESPN that the team evaluated to add another striker.

“Pepi’s injury created a situation to be answered, but that has not yet been possible,” he said. “Bringing a new player onwards is on our agenda, but it is not essential. If we decide, it must be a good option for the team. We are considering it.”