Niko Tsakiris
SJE
Attacking Midfielder
Right Winger
Creative Playmaker
Jun 19, 2005 (21)
Left
5'10"
154 lb
Bench option Saturday
Tsakiris (upper body) is on the bench for Saturday's game versus FC Dallas.
Analysis: Tsakiris has finally overcome the issue that forced him to miss the previous four game weeks, hoping to feature as a substitute before taking a central midfield role from Beau Leroux or Ronaldo Vieira. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a productive campaign so far, with his seven assists tied as the highest mark on the squad.
Misses draw with upper-body injury
Tsakiris was ruled out for San Jose's 1-1 draw with Nashville due to an upper-body injury.
Analysis: The midfielder was questionable to return after training earlier in the week. His status remains up in the air for Saturday's road clash with FC Dallas.
Spotted in team training
Tsakiris (upper body) was spotted in team training Wednesday and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Colorado, the club posted.
Analysis: Tsakiris appears to be making progress in his recovery after dealing with an upper-body injury, with his involvement in Wednesday's session providing an encouraging sign ahead of Saturday's matchup against the Rapids. The midfielder has been a key creative presence in the attack while handling a significant share of set-piece duties, so his potential return would provide a welcome boost. His status should become clearer over the next few days, with Timo Werner, Beau Leroux and Eduard Lowen in line to shoulder additional offensive responsibilities if Tsakiris isn't cleared to feature.
Questionable for time being
Tsakiris is dealing with an upper body injury and could miss Saturday's match against Portland, the league reported Friday.
Analysis: Tsakiris has served as one of the team's starting attacking midfielders and a creative threat with plenty of set-piece duties, so his unavailability would be a meaningful worry for the attack. His status will be a late call for the next game as it's unclear if his injury is serious. All of Timo Werner, Beau Leroux and Eduard Lowen will carry increased offensive responsibilities if Tsakiris is forced to miss time.
Scores, assists twice in win
Tsakiris scored one goal and assisted twice from three shots and four chances created in Wednesday's 3-2 win against San Diego FC.
Analysis: Tsakiris scored the opener in the third minute with his third goal in the season to help San Jose build the road win. The midfielder later assisted twice before halftime and now has seven in the campaign. He had a busy match, also missing a PK in the first half.
Assist in 81 minutes
Tsakiris assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Austin FC.
Analysis: Back in August, Tsakiris proceeded to return from injury by gradually elevating his minutes, finishing the month with four appearances but only one in which he surpassed 70 minutes of action. It did not take him long to assist Beau Leroux, giving the former his seventh goal contribution this season. Before a long-term injury took him out of action, Tsakiris had been on a roll, with six G/A across as many appearances. Ideally for the attacking midfielder, Saturday was a sign that he will return to peak form to cap off the 2026 season.
Starting after injury recovery
Tsakiris (groin) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game versus St. Louis City.
Analysis: Tsakiris has bounced back in the shortest possible time after facing a three-month absence due to a considerable injury. The midfielder will immediately take Nick Fernandez's place in the starting lineup and could retain the spot in subsequent fixtures if he avoids further physical setbacks. Tsakiris was in great form before suffering the injury, with his impact reflected in two goals and four assists over his last six MLS outings. He was also one of the squad's primary set-piece takers alongside Timo Werner.
Out 3-4 months after surgery
Taskiris will remain unavailable for at least three months following surgery to repair a right groin problem, Brian Sciaretta of American Soccer Now reports.
Analysis: Tsakiris has been outstanding in the 2026 season, which is already his best year in terms of offensive production with two goals and four assists over 11 matches played. Therefore, his absence will be a huge blow in San Jose's lineup while also leaving them without their top set-piece taker. The young prospect will be sidelined until after the World Cup break and perhaps a few more weeks. If Timo Werner (hamstring) is not back before Tsakiris, Ousseni Bouda and Nick Fernandez will be the main beneficiaries in terms of playing time.
Set for absence
Tsakiris (undisclosed) is expected to remain out for a while as confirmed by coach Bruce Arena, Favian Renkel of Kickbase MLS reports.
Analysis: Tsakiris might not play until after the World Cup break as he continues to battle the injury that forced him to leave the last match against Toronto. This news leaves San Jose without their best central attacking midfielder and primary set-piece taker alongside the also injured Timo Werner (hamstring). Thus, Nick Fernandez may benefit from the situation going forward. The 20-year-old is the team's leader in assists with four after the first 11 game weeks of the 2026 MLS campaign.
Assists, comes off hurt
Tsakiris was injured and subbed out in the 54th minute of Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Toronto FC. He assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and two corners before exiting the match.
Analysis: Tsakiris recorded his fourth assist of the season, all within the last five matches during the draw Saturday. He did, however leave with an injury in the process. If the midfielder does need to miss time, it will be a significant loss to the team as he recorded two goals with four goals in 11 games played for San Jose.
Assists in 5-1 win
Tsakiris assisted once to go with six shots (zero on goal), eight crosses (one accurate) and eight corners in Wednesday's 5-1 victory against Austin FC.
Analysis: Tsakiris assisted as San Jose won 5-1 at home to Austin. provided an assist for the third game in a row to help San Jose win. He has created 17 chances in his last four games with three in this match. He took eight crosses from eight corners in the match. He also took six shots for the second time this season, but didn't put a shot on target.
Delivers assist in victory
Tsakiris assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 4-1 victory versus Los Angeles Football Club.
Analysis: Tsakiris logged his second assist of the MLS season in Sunday's win against LAFC, setting a new career high with the helper that teed up San Jose's final goal as the Earthquakes took over the second half and rolled to a 4-1 victory at BMO Stadium. He dictated the tempo in midfield from start to finish, disrupting LAFC's double pivot with sharp pressing while opening up lanes for Timo Werner and Ousseni Bouda to do damage in the final third. He capped off a dominant showing with three chances created and three corners, pulling the strings all match long.
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