Johnny Cardoso is available for Atlético Madrid’s Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Barcelona on Tuesday.
The USMNT midfielder missed the first leg because of fitness concerns but is now back in the squad.
Cardoso’s Return From Injury
Cardoso, who joined from Real Betis last summer, has been in and out of the Atlético team. Before the March international break, he started his club’s last two matches 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 he was reported to be dealing with muscle fatigue.
Cardoso was then released before the U.S.’ second March friendly against Portugal.
Upon his return to Madrid, it was confirmed that he had suffered a thigh muscle injury.
Competition for Midfield Spots
The injury kept Cardoso out of LaLiga defeats to Barcelona and Sevilla, in addition to the first leg of the quarterfinal.
Now back in the squad, the American international will compete for a starting spot in central midfield.
Koke, Marcos Llorente, Rodri Mendoza and Obed Vargas are also in contention.
Selection Issues for Simeone
Diego Simeone has selection issues at the back for the clash with Barça.
José María Giménez, David Hancko and Marc Pubill are all unavailable.
Midfielder Pablo Barrios also remains absent.
Goalkeeper Jan Oblak is back in contention after missing the last seven games with a muscle injury.
Cardoso’s International Career
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.
- He has since earned 23 caps.
Cardoso has now been named in the Atlético squad for Tuesday’s return leg.