Antonee Robinson finally scored his first Premier League goal. However, Brendan Aaronson and Chris Richards are injury concerns for the USMNT ahead of the World Cup.
Antonee Robinson finally breaks duck in the Premier League
Robinson is such a highly rated left-back that it is surprising that he only scored his first Premier League goal last weekend. The Fulham player scored from the penalty spot to equalize in a 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
It took Robinson 157 Premier League games to finally find the back of the net. However, he has managed 17 assists. He was particularly prolific last season, where he set up 10 league goals. This led to him being linked with Liverpool, but the Reds ended up signing Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth instead. Perhaps Arne Slot regrets this decision, as Robinson has been a better player than Kerkez this campaign.
The USMNT player has come close to joining a big club in the past when he was at Wigan Athletic. On transfer deadline day in 2020, Robinson failed a medical at AC Milan. Due to his form at Fulham, perhaps a move to a top side still could come. However, he is contracted to the Cottagers until 2028 and is now 28.
Robinson will no doubt be the starting left-back for the USMNT at the World Cup this summer. Only John Tolkin of Holstein Kiel is his only real competition for the position in Mauricio Pochettino's roster.
Aaronson and Richards injury scare
No player wants to get injured at any time, but particularly not now with the World Cup fast approaching. Reuters reported that "United States attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson came away with left leg injury while playing for Leeds United on Sunday, although initial speculation is that the setback ​is not expected to jeopardize his World Cup status.
"Prospective USMNT defender Chris ‌Richards also went down with a injury Sunday when he rolled his left ankle while playing for Crystal Palace. The second-half substitute returned to the match after a minute on the ​sideline and played to its completion."
Aaronson has performed well for Leeds this season, scoring four goals with five assists in 36 Premier League matches. This has helped the team, which had just come up from the Championship, ensure its status in English soccer's top flight.
It has not been a straightforward time for Aaronson at Leeds. He was relegated with them in 2023 in a side that also included Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. They also had Jesse Marsch as their head coach for much of that campaign. Aaronson then went on loan to Union Berlin before returning to help the club get back to the Premier League.
Richards has been an ever-present in Palace's team this season. He only missed a couple of games mid-season due to a foot injury. In total, he has played 33 Premier League games this campaign and scored one goal, which came against Chelsea.
If fit, the center-back will be one of the starting defenders at the World Cup this summer. The question for Pochettino is who to partner him with. Tim Ream would be an experienced option, but he is now 38 and playing in MLS with Charlotte. Auston Trusty, who has just won the Scottish Premiership with Celtic, could be a good partner for him. Whilst the likes of Miles Robinson and Mark McKenzie may also be in with a shout.
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