Ahead of the friendlies with big enemies in the horizon, including Panama and Mexico, it looks like the U.S. Football roster is at a free fall as Tim Weah and Folarin Balogun have both been ruled out due to injuries. The friendlies shall be a litmus test for the team without these two touted forwards who always seem to pump some much-needed muscle into the strike force.
Tim Weah’s Ankle Injury
A Juventus player in Serie A, Tim Weah, has been out with an ankle injury since September 21th, 2024. He will neither be able to contribute for his club nor his country while not on the pitch. He is a vital asset due to the amount of space he stretches defenses and speeds with which he stretches it, so Pochettino will need to review a little how he attacks. The 24-year-old striker has become a solid presence for the U.S. and the fans will surely count on fast recovery.
Solution To Injury
Ankle injuries are particularly tricky; one might have to take things slow to avoid pushing their limits further and worse. Weah’s medical team will likely consider rehabilitation techniques that focus both on mobility and strength in a bid to get him back in top shape.
Folarin Balogun Shoulder Issue
In contrast, another player in the offing is Folarin Balogun, who recently flexed his muscles by scoring the opening goal for Monaco in their Ligue 1 clash with Rennes. However his promising performance became somewhat worrisome after he left the game in the 64th minute due to a shoulder injury. It’s not yet clear to what extent the injury is, but scoring goals is Balogun’s most important asset to the national team, especially when it comes to games like this. As the U.S. tries to get its best starting line-up, his shape and conditioning will be under keen observation.
Solution To Injury
Shoulder injuries can be pretty non-uniform in every case, ranging from a simple strain to something more critical that might take longer to heal. Balogun shall undergo full-scale rehabilitation that will encompass bed rest, physical therapy and a gradual comeback to training for him to regain his shape when going back.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
