United States defender Dest confident of returning from injury before World Cup

Sergino Dest remains confident that he will return to action by the end of the season after limping off in PSV’s 2-1 win over AZ Alkmaar on Saturday.

Dest was replaced in the 57th minute by Anass Salah-Eddine at Philips Stadion, after tumbling in his own penalty area when chasing Alkmaar’s Wouter Goes.

The 25-year-old was helped off the field with assistance from two of PSV’s medical staff, with the club later confirming he had sustained an upper leg injury.

Not only for PSV, but Dest’s injury could also be a blow for the United States, who are just months away from kickstarting their World Cup campaign on home soil.

Dest now looks set to miss the United States’ World Cup warm-up matches against Belgium and Portugal later this month, but the former Barcelona full-back was optimistic over the timescale of his return.

“I will do everything within my power to be fully fit again towards the end of the season, and I’m confident that will happen,” Dest said.

“Thank you for the many heartwarming messages. That support only gives me extra motivation to work hard on my recovery.”

Medical Update Sergiño Dest

PSV will be without Sergiño Dest for the coming period, medical examinations confirmed on Sunday. The 25-year-old defender was forced off during the home win against AZ with an upper leg injury.

It is still difficult to predict exactly how long… pic.twitter.com/LFh2b2BoJr

— PSV (@PSV) March 8, 2026

Dest has made 24 appearances for PSV in the Eredivisie this season, registering one goal as well as providing four assists.

He also has two goals in 37 international appearances and started all four of the USA’s matches at the 2022 World Cup.

Should he be unable to feature at the tournament this summer, Mauricio Pochettino could deploy versatile midfielder Timothy Weah at right-back.