Antonee Robinson misses USMNT camp due to groin injury

One of the positions within the U.S. men’s national team squad which continuously looks set is left back, but some other faces will get an opportunity to boost their stock this month.

Antonee Robinson was left off Gregg Berhalter’s 23-player roster on Thursday due to a groin issue, the USMNT head coach confirmed. Robinson, who recently played 90 minutes for Fulham on Monday in a 2-0 English Premier League loss to London rivals Chelsea, has been dealing with pubalgia, the early stages of a sports hernia injury.

With the Concacaf Nations League schedule restarting for the USMNT this November, Berhalter decided to give Robinson a needed break in order to save him for the competitive matches later this year.

“Antonee was dealing with pubalgia, sort of like the onset of a sports hernia type of thing,” Berhalter said. “He got injections before last camp and is still struggling with that a little bit. We wanted to get ahead of it. I’m looking towards Nations League and the winter period in England when they don’t have a break.

“I think this was a good opportunity where he needs to cool down because he does have some inflammation in that area and some pain. We want to resolve that as quickly as possible because he is a big part of what we’re doing,” Berhalter added.

Robinson has quickly become the No. 1 option at left back since making his USMNT debut in 2018. After spending time in the EFL Championship with Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic, Robinson’s move to Fulham has helped him face tougher competition in the Premier League and also earn consistent minutes under several managers.

He has earned 37 USMNT caps to date, registering two goals and five assists, while also winning two Concacaf Nations League titles. Robinson’s absence will open the door for Kristoffer Lund and DeJuan Jones to continue padding their stocks, while Joe Scally and Sergino Dest could also play in that position if needed.

Robinson’s long-term presence in the USMNT remains crucial, so while not having him against tougher opposition this month, it should help him get back to 100% for club and country after the international break.