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USMNT left back John Tolkin suffers potentially serious knee injury
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- USMNT left back John Tolkin suffers potentially serious knee injury
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.
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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.
"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.
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Tolkin's injury comes four days after Derby County striker Patrick Agyemang suffered an Achilles injury that ruled him out for the World Cup.
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.
Christian Pulisic of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Vitinha of Portugal passes against Alex Freeman of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Timothy Weah of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino greets Roberto Martinez, Head Coach of Portugal, right, prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal is challenged by Auston Trusty of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Aidan Morris of United States is challenged by Joao Cancelo of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino looks on prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Sebastian Berhalter of United States passes whilst under pressure from Goncalo Ramos of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Fans of United States cheer prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Players of United States form a huddle prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Players of United States and Belgium line up prior to the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Belgium's Jeremy Doku (11) controls the ball against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
USA's Christian Pulisic (10) controls the ball against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
USA's Weston McKennie (8) scores a goal against Belgium during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) scores a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) reacts Wirth teammates after scoring a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
USA soccer fans shown during the match against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium is challenged by Malik Tillman #17 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Belgium's Dodi Lukebakio (14) scores a goal against the USA during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Weston McKennie of the United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
A fan of United States with face paint looks on during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
USA's Mark McKenzie (22) and Belgium's Lois Openda (9) fight for the ball at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammate Jeremy Doku #11 during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Nathan Ngoy #20 of Belgium is challenged by Sebastian Berhalter #14 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium scores his team's fifth goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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See 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.
1
/26
See 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.
2
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Christian Pulisic of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
3
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Vitinha of Portugal passes against Alex Freeman of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
4
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Timothy Weah of United States controls the ball during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
5
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Mauricio Pochettino greets Roberto Martinez, Head Coach of Portugal, right, prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
6
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal is challenged by Auston Trusty of United States during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
7
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Aidan Morris of United States is challenged by Joao Cancelo of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
8
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Mauricio Pochettino looks on prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
9
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Sebastian Berhalter of United States passes whilst under pressure from Goncalo Ramos of Portugal during the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
10
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Fans of United States cheer prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Players of United States form a huddle prior to the international friendly match between United States and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
12
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Players of United States and Belgium line up prior to the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
13
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Jeremy Doku (11) controls the ball against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
14
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA's Christian Pulisic (10) controls the ball against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
15
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA's Weston McKennie (8) scores a goal against Belgium during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
16
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) scores a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
17
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Charles De Ketelaere (17) reacts Wirth teammates after scoring a goal on a penalty kick against the USA at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
18
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA soccer fans shown during the match against Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
19
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Amadou Onana #24 of Belgium is challenged by Malik Tillman #17 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
20
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Belgium's Dodi Lukebakio (14) scores a goal against the USA during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
21
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Weston McKennie of the United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
22
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
A fan of United States with face paint looks on during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
23
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
USA's Mark McKenzie (22) and Belgium's Lois Openda (9) fight for the ball at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on March 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
24
/26
See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal with teammate Jeremy Doku #11 during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Nathan Ngoy #20 of Belgium is challenged by Sebastian Berhalter #14 of the United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
26
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See USMNT in action against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies
Dodi Lukebakio #14 of Belgium scores his team's fifth goal during the International Friendly match between United States and Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on March 28, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: John Tolkin injury: USMNT left back suffers knee issue
