USMNT striker Patrick Agyemang stretchered off with non-contact injury
Patrick Agyemang suffered a potentially devastating blow on Monday, as the Derby County striker was stretchered off with a non-contact injury in a match against Stoke City. Near the end of the first half, the U. S.
men's national team forward landed awkwardly after controlling a ball with his chest. Agyemang appeared to be getting treatment on his left ankle or Achilles before he was forced to leave the match on a stretcher. The 25-year-old was visibly upset as he reckoned with the possibility that his World Cup hopes could be over.
Agyemang has been excellent in his first season with Derby, which he joined last summer from FC Charlotte. The big striker has scored 10 league goals for the Rams, who are right in the hunt for promotion to the Premier League. The striker broke into the USMNT picture last year, making his first 12 appearances at the international level while scoring five goals.
After missing out on USMNT rosters in the fall, Agyemang was recalled in March and played in both matches against Belgium and Portugal. The striker scored a late consolation in the USMNT's 5-2 defeat against Belgium. Should Agyemang be unable to recover in time for the World Cup, it would boost the chances of Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright to make the final roster.
Josh Sargent, who has been out of the picture since September, could also have a potential route back into the team. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Patrick Agyemang injury: USMNT striker stretchered off for Derby