'Hopefully, I'll still make a comeback this season' - USMNT, PSV midfielder Malik Tillman facing extended spell out after undergoing ankle surgery

U.S. international Malik Tillman will be out for an extended spell after requiring surgery on an ankle issue sustained in the Dutch Cup in mid January. The USMNT midfielder, who leads the Champions League with 21 chances created, saw a specialist in Qatar in late January before opting to undergo the procedure.

The midfielder is in the midst of arguably his best season as a pro. He has contributed 11 goals and four assists in 26 games in all competitions for the reigning Eredivisie champions. Although he would not commit to a return date, Tillman acknowledged that he was planning to return this season.

Tillman described the injury in an interview: "I immediately knew it was wrong. I thought I had to continue. I thought I could finish the match, but the following days it got worse and worse."

Neither the club nor Tillman have offered a specific timeline as to when he might return. But his participation in the USMNT's CONCACAF Nations League semifinal on March 20 would seem to be unlikely.