Despite wingback depth, Dest injury threatens USMNT's World Cup hopes

In a list of critical players on the U.S. men's national team, there are few who rank higher than PSV Eindhoven defender Sergiño Dest.

AC Milan's Christian Pulisic is automatic, given what he means to the U.S. attack. Ditto for AFC Bournemouth's Tyler Adams, given his importance to how the team defends. Weston McKennie, given his current form, is also in that category, regardless of where he plays.

But Dest is the USMNT's ultimate attacking wildcard, and the sight of him going down with a hamstring injury in PSV's 2-1 win over AZ Alkmaar on Saturday was sobering to say the least. There was agony etched across his face as he went down in the 55th minute, clutching his left leg. He had to be helped from the field by two members of PSV's training staff, and could only put the slightest amount of weight on his leg.

There is a chance, of course, that Dest recovers in time for the World Cup. On Instagram, Dest was certainly putting on a brave face, stating that, "I'm out for a little while to do what I love the most! But one thing for sure this is NOT the end of the season! I'll do everything in my power to make sure that I'm coming back asap on the right timing! Thanks for the messages won't let you guys down!"

But hamstring ailments are notoriously difficult injuries from which to recover. Setbacks are common, and it's by no means guaranteed that he returns to fitness in time to suit up for the USMNT in the World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 11.

If Dest doesn't make it back, his loss would cut deep, given his penchant for delivering the unexpected. His ability to beat opponents off the dribble adds a surprise element from a player given he is ostensibly listed as a defender, as does the timing of his runs. He also has the ability to cut inside and unleash a shot with his left foot.

It doesn't take much scanning with the mind's eye to recall just how devastating his forays into the attacking third can be. There was the vital goal he scored against Costa Rica in the home World Cup qualifier in which he surged inside from the wing and unleashed a piledriver of a shot that beat none other than the Ticos' legendary goalkeeper, Keylor Navas. In the group stage finale against Iran at the 2022 World Cup, it was Dest's perfectly timed run that allowed him to head McKennie's pass back across the box for Pulisic to bundle in the game's only goal, and enable the U.S. to progress to the knockout rounds.

To be clear, Dest's defensive shortcomings are well documented, and explain why he's not a lock to start at either right back or right wingback. But that kind of ability to contribute offensively is vital, either as a starter or off the bench. If he's not available, that's one less dynamic element the U.S. would have on the field, and allow teams to focus more of their attention on Pulisic when it comes to shutting down the USMNT attack.

U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino would have a few options at his disposal if Dest isn't able to go.

Alex Freeman, now with LaLiga side Villarreal, has made a quantum leap in the past year, going from just breaking into the starting lineup with Orlando City SC to being a frequent call-up with the USMNT. Freeman's ability to get forward is a bit more standard than that of Dest, but he did show off his ability to pop up for goals last November, when he scored twice in a 5-1 friendly win over Uruguay.

Joe Scally is another player who might slide in. While he's spent most of his career with Borussia Mönchengladbach as an outside back in a four-man backline, he's played considerable minutes as a wingback this season, and even scored a rare goal against FC Augsburg on Jan. 11.

McKennie has played in a wingback role on plenty of occasions for Juventus this season, but given the U.S. team's needs elsewhere, it seems unlikely he would suit up there at the World Cup.

The biggest beneficiary of all just might be Marseille's Timothy Weah.

Like McKennie, he's been his team's designated Swiss Army knife this season, playing in a variety of roles, including as a wingback. With Pochettino often preferring to play in a 3-4-2-1 formation, there hasn't been an easy spot for Weah to slide into, especially given the competition at the wingback position. But Weah's pace in getting forward is an asset that the U.S. doesn't have much of, and given the player's time there with Marseille, as well as the fact that he has World Cup experience, Dest's injury could give Weah an opportunity to shine in the role for the USMNT.

With the March international window coming up, and Dest certain to miss out, it looks like the positional battle will be between Freeman and Weah, with the hope that either can contribute at least some of the attacking threat that Dest previously provided.