Former USMNT star Landon Donovan is questioning the reliability of forward Ricardo Pepi and attacking midfielder Gao Reyna following their recent injury setbacks. The USMNT's all-time joint leading goalscorer suggested that availability issues could threaten both player’s roles in the national team under coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Former U.S. international Herculez Gomez says Ricardo Pepi's availability and fitness could be the deciding factors in whether the PSV Eindhoven striker secures the starting No. 9 role for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup. The 22-year-old forward recently returned for the Dutch champions after recovering from knee surgery that sidelined him for several months.
Former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas is optimistic about the national team's striker situation following Ricardo Pepi's return from injury for PSV. Though Folarin Balogun established himself with a strong showing earlier this month, Lalas said Pepi's return to fitness and form provides crucial competition for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
U.S. international Ricardo Pepi got back to what he does best as he got his first two league goals of the season in PSV's 5-3 win over NEC Nijmegen. The 22-year-old scored the game's opening goal in the 12th minute before scoring again in the 49th minute.
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