USMNT left back John Tolkin suffers potentially serious knee injury
USMNT left back John Tolkin suffers potentially serious knee injury
Jonathan Abraham, USA TODAY Sat, April 11, 2026 at 4:36 PM UTC
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U.S. men's national team left back John Tolkin suffered a potentially serious knee injury in Holstein Kiel's 2-1 victory against Fortuna Düsseldorf on Friday, April 10.
Only seven minutes into the match, Tolkin went down after appearing to twist his knee awkwardly. After receiving treatment, the 23-year-old limped off the pitch toward the tunnel.
While Die Störche earned a three crucial points at Merkur Spiel-Arena, manager Tim Walter expressed fears of the extent of Tolkin's injury.
"The scene looked really bad," the German manager said. "He is a great footballer and also a kind-hearted person.
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"The injury particularly hurts me. I have been very close to John in my heart in recent weeks."
While the injury is a huge blow for Kiel, which is trying to avoid relegation from the 2. Bundesliga, it is for Tolkin as well.
The New York Red Bulls academy product, who last featured for the USMNT in a 5-1 win over Uruguay in November, was fighting for a World Cup roster spot with the tournament commencing in two months.
Tolkin's injury comes four days after Derby County striker Patrick Agyemang suffered an Achilles injury that ruled him out for the World Cup.
1 / 0See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Weston McKennie of United States and Samu Costa of Portugal compete for the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: John Tolkin injury: USMNT left back suffers knee issue
Source: “AOL Sports”
