Ricardo Pepi
PSV
Center Forward
Poacher
Jan 9, 2003 (23)
Right
6'1"
161 lb
Not ready to return yet
Pepi (undisclosed) is out for Tuesday's match against FC Porto, Rik Elfrink of ED.nl reports.
Analysis: Pepi hasn't played for PSV since before the September international break, and the USMNT striker will remain sidelined until further notice. His next chance to play in the UCL will come Nov. 4 against Club Brugge, but his involvement at the domestic level in the coming weeks will end up determining his availability.
Set to miss next PSV matches
Pepi is set to miss PSV's next matches through injury and has not travelled with the United States for the international break, with no firm return date given, the club announced Tuesday. "This is unfortunately just a small setback. I have already started my recovery to be back as soon as possible and to help the team," the striker said.
Analysis: Pepi faces an absence of undetermined length after PSV stated Tuesday that he will sit out the coming matches. The striker was withdrawn early in the away win at Twente on Sunday, and the club has given no detail on the injury itself, which leaves the extent of the setback unclear for now. He is the club's first-choice option through the centre, so Peter Bosz is without his main attacking reference point until further notice. Sven Mijnans replaced him at Twente and looks the leading candidate to deputise.
Forced off early against Twente
Pepi suffered an undisclosed injury during Sunday's club match against Twente, with the issue already forcing his withdrawal from the USMNT training camp for the international break.
Analysis: Pepi is likely to face at least a few weeks on the sidelines after going down with a physical problem in the 10th minute of PSV's loss Sunday. He's the team's first-choice striker, and losing him for an extended period would hurt their scoring capacity. On the other hand, Sven Mijnans could benefit from the opportunity to play in an advanced role, depending on when the injured trio of Pepi, Sam Lammers (undisclosed) and Alassane Plea (undisclosed) are cleared to play.
Features for two minutes
Pepi recorded no stats in Wednesday's 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Analysis: Pepi came on the field very late, as the forward only recorded two minutes in the win. This would lead to only a few touches and no shots, although it was tough for him to do much as the USA sat back and defended a lead. With Folarin Balogun suspended for the round of 16, Pepi could see a starting role against Belgium.
Two shots in loss
Pepi took two shots (zero on goal), created one chance, suffered fouls, and committed one foul in Thursday's 3-2 loss to Turkiye.
Analysis: Leading the line in a rotated starting XI, Pepi worked hard to occupy the Turkish center backs, linked play well at times, and found promising positions, but he was unable to convert his opportunities into goals. He was involved in the game without ever taking control of it, and in a match decided by fine margins, the United States needed more end product from its striker. His spot in the starting lineup is in question for Wednesday's Round of 32 matchup with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Takes two shots in spot start
Pepi recorded two shots (zero on goal) in Friday's 2-0 victory against Australia.
Analysis: Pepi was a surprising addition to the starting lineup once Christian Pulisic (calf) was ruled out, and while he kept the opposing defenders busy, he couldn't find the back of the net. Pepi is likely to be dropped from the XI for the group-stage finale against Turkiye on June 25 regardless of whether Pulisic is deemed fit to play, as he didn't do enough to keep a place among the starters.
Builds momentum after injury return
Pepi started and scored two goals during Thursday's Eredivisie win over PEC Zwolle.
Analysis: Pepi is available after dealing with a forearm fracture at the beginning of the year, and he's aiming to be an option for the USMNT in the upcoming World Cup. The forward has scored three goals over his last two club games while delivering an assist during a substitute outing for the national team in March.
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