Under-20 World Cup: USA loses Zelalem to knee injury

U.S. midfielder Gedion Zelalem  will miss the rest of the U-20 World Cup because of knee injury suffered in the 34th minute of the USA’s tournament-opening 3-3 tie with Ecuador. The playmaker, who also started for the USA at the 2015 U-20 World Cup, was expected to key part of the U.S. offense.

"For Gedion, this was his second U-20 World Cup so his experience was invaluable for us," U.S. U-20 coach Tab Ramos said. "His passing ability is second to none in this tournament and we'll miss that. He was running the team from his position. Having said that, I believe in the players we have here and we've already seen what Derrick Jones can do. We are confident that the team is ready for the next challenge.”

Zelalem, who has been playing on loan for Dutch second division club VVV-Venlo from Arsenal, suffered ligament damage that requires surgery and is expected to be out for six months, according to the Washington Post.

2 comments about "Under-20 World Cup: USA loses Zelalem to knee injury".
  1. R2 Dad, May 25, 2017 at 1:23 a.m.

    GZ was defending in the box when he was kicked from behind. He has no business inside the defensive 18. Tab wants his passing skills but only as a crutch for the back line. Once GZ recovers he should get a transfer to the Eredivisie where he can more freely express his attacking nature. Playing as a d-mid will just shorten his career. See Jack Wilshere, another square peg in a round hole with attacking talent that got ground down in the Premier League.

  2. Quarterback TD replied, May 25, 2017 at 12:33 p.m.

    I don't like to see these injuries but it's part of the game. Hopefully he returns to 100% these players have dedicated a lot of time to just lose out on their future over an injury

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