Will another injury derail Adams' World Cup prep for the U.S.?

"The U.S. men's national team will face numerous challenges in the run-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The club situations of potential players will be looked at with a microscope in terms of who is playing and who isn't, but perhaps the biggest challenge of all will be just staying healthy. The sad reality is that injury will strike a subset of players and prevent them from taking part in the biggest soccer party on the planet."

"In 2022, it was Chris Richards and Miles Robinson who missed out. In 2014, it was Stuart Holden who didn't make the plane to Brazil, while Jozy Altidore was sidelined with a hamstring strain just minutes into the tournament. So it goes for the USMNT this cycle, with the team's hospital wing busier than manager Mauricio Pochettino would prefer. At least in some cases, a few players have made it back onto the field, but sadly, there is an exception."

"Throughout the season, ESPN will be monitoring the progress of the player pool, delivering insights into those whose form or fitness has made them particularly intriguing. We call it the USMNT's countdown to the 2026 World Cup. ESPN will count down to June 11 every week. When the U.S. team is announced for this highly anticipated World Cup on home soil, no names on that 26-man roster will come as a surprise. Only 176 days to go."

"Adams has endured his share of injuries over the course of his club career. A hamstring problem sidelined him for much of the 2023-24 season, while a back ailment following the 2024 Copa América limited his playing time as well. So it was with much relief that Adams showed some durability this season, playing in 14 of Bournemouth's first 15 league matches."

The U.S. men's national team faces multiple challenges ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with player club situations and fitness under intense scrutiny. Injuries have historically sidelined key players from World Cups, including Chris Richards, Miles Robinson, Stuart Holden and Jozy Altidore. The current cycle sees an expanded injury list that has left manager Mauricio Pochettino managing a crowded recovery list while a few players have returned to action. ESPN will monitor player form and fitness through a weekly countdown to June 11, aiming to anticipate roster decisions as the tournament approaches. Player durability remains a central concern for selection.

Read at ESPN.com