Sergino Dest Injury Update: Confident Of Return Before World Cup After Upper Leg Injury

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Sergino Dest stays positive about returning before the season ends, despite suffering an upper leg injury during PSV’s 2-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar. The setback affects both PSV and the United States, who are only months away from starting their World Cup campaign on home soil.

The former Barcelona full-back expects the lay-off to be temporary rather than season-ending. Dest shared a clear message about personal commitment, stating: "I will do everything within my power to be fully fit again towards the end of the season, and I'm confident that will happen," Dest said. "Thank you for the many heartwarming messages. That support only gives me extra motivation to work hard on my recovery."

The injury occurred in the 57th minute at Philips Stadion, when Dest slipped inside PSV’s penalty area while tracking Alkmaar’s Wouter Goes. Anass Salah-Eddine replaced Dest, who left the pitch with help from two PSV medical staff members. Club examinations on Sunday confirmed an upper leg problem, and the medical team still cannot accurately predict the recovery timeline.

Dest has been a regular starter in the Eredivisie this season, featuring 24 times for PSV. The defender recorded one league goal and supplied four assists. For the United States, Dest owns two goals from 37 caps and started every one of the USA’s four matches at the 2022 World Cup.

Dest’s absence arrives shortly before important United States World Cup warm-up matches against Belgium and Portugal later this month. If Dest cannot recover in time for the tournament this summer, Mauricio Pochettino may use Timothy Weah at right-back, with the versatile midfielder offering an alternative option on the defensive flank.

PSV will now adjust short-term plans without the 25-year-old defender, whose role covers both defensive work and attacking support from full-back. The confirmed upper leg injury limits immediate expectations, yet the club and the United States will monitor progress closely as medical staff refine the projected return schedule.

The situation leaves PSV and the United States balancing caution with hope, as Dest targets a comeback before the campaign finishes. Dest’s stated determination, alongside strong backing from supporters, shapes a recovery process that could still see the defender rejoin PSV and national team plans later in the season.