The September window wasn’t a lot of fun for the U.S. men’s national team, but just as the players return to their clubs, Gregg Berhalter got some good news.
One day after Antonee Robinson’s absence stood out as one of numerous issues in the USMNT’s tepid 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, the Fulham left back delivered a much-needed update on his status.
“Nice to be back out on the pitch,” Robinson tweeted, along with photos of himself going through a workout at Fulham’s Motspur Park training ground.
Robinson last played on September 3, but lasted just 29 minutes in Fulham’s 2-1 loss to Tottenham before departing with an ankle injury. Earlier this month, Fulham manager Marco Silva said Robinson would be back “soon,” and it appears that the international break has done the 25-year-old some good.
Nice to be back out on the pitch ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/jWEo0QyORh
— Antonee Robinson (@Antonee_Jedi) September 28, 2022
Robinson’s health appears to be a significant concern for the USMNT. He’s not just clearly Gregg Berhalter’s first-choice left back, but within the team’s system, his ability to get forward effectively and without any signs of fatigue is a major factor in possession and in breaking into the final third.
Without Robinson in this window, the USMNT labored going forward, and Berhalter ended up looking at moving Sergiño Dest over from right back against Saudi Arabia rather than giving more time to Sam Vines.
Fulham has eight matches for Robinson to work through before the Premier League begins its World Cup break, and USMNT fans will probably be monitoring every single one of them.
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