USMNT’s Tyler Adams feeling 'ready to go' after latest injury setback

AFC BournemouthArsenalAston VillaBrentfordBrighton & Hove AlbionBurnleyChelseaCrystal PalaceEvertonFulhamLeeds UnitedLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedNewcastle UnitedNottingham ForestSunderlandTottenham HotspurWest Ham UnitedWolverhampton WanderersScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyThe Athletic FC NewsletterPodcastsPL PredictionsIntroducing 'The Ref'Analysing the Title RaceWorld Cup The 27-year-old missed two months earlier this season after tearing the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee. James Fearn / Getty Images Share full articleUSMNT and Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams said he is targeting a strong finish to the season after being disrupted by injuries throughout the campaign. Adams missed two months after tearing the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee. He sustained the injury attempting to block a shot from Matheus Cunha in Bournemouth’s 4-4 draw with Manchester United on December 15. The 27-year-old returned to the squad in February, but missed the last two league games against Burnley and United last month and was not included in the U.S. squad by Mauricio Pochettino for friendlies against Belgium and Portugal. Bournemouth visit league leaders Arsenal on Saturday, with head coach Andoni Iraola saying that Adams is “in contention” to feature, per the Bournemouth Echo, with the midfielder himself saying that he feels “ready to go” for the Premier League’s final seven fixtures. “I was here (at Bournemouth) for the international break,” Adams told the club’s website. “Unfortunately, I didn’t get to go and catch up with the US team. I had to watch from afar but it was good to be here with the boys that stayed behind and get some good training in, I am feeling strong and ready to go. “It also gave me a period of time to get stronger, get more fit and focus on the objectives with the boys here. The guys that stayed behind focused on training, focused on staying sharp, staying fit in preparation for a big game this weekend. “I’m feeling consistent, I’m feeling strong now and I think it’s just important to finish the season strong.” Adams has made 19 appearances in all competitions this season at club level, scoring twice and providing one assist. The New York native has had a history with injuries since joining Bournemouth in August 2023. He missed over six months in first season with the team due to hamstring and back injuries. The latter eventually required surgery, keeping him out of the first two months of the 2024-25 campaign. Adams, who has 52 senior caps, has not appeared for the U.S. since September. He is aiming to represent his country at the World Cup for the second time after captaining the team at 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he started all four games before the team was knocked out in the last 16. Analysis by contributor and former USMNT forward Charlies Davies This is fantastic news for the U.S. team and Mauricio Pochettino. Adams hadn’t featured for the national team since the September international window and when this injury came out there was a lot of uncertainty … almost this narrative wondering whether he had something serious and was just going to try to get through it. Having him come back now and say he’s feeling strong is a big development as the team builds for a huge summer where it has the chance to do something special. There is no like-for-like replacement for Adams on the USMNT. His fight, his leadership, the respect he commands — when he is not on the pitch there is a clear void. When you get that back, it’s huge. Before the big moment that always comes at a World Cup, you want someone beside you who is willing to put it all on the line. He’s that guy. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms