USMNT defender Sergino Dest injured in preseason friendly for PSV while Ricardo Pepi makes return to pitch

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PSV defeat SV 07 Elversberg 3-1 in friendly
USMNT’s Dest subbed off 20 minutes in due to injury
Striker Pepi returns off the bench

U.S. men’s national team defender Sergino Dest was substituted off the pitch just 20 minutes into PSV’s 3-1 preseason friendly victory over SV 07 Elversberg on Saturday, according to ESPN. The severity of the issue is not known.

Meanwhile, in the match, USMNT forward Ricardo Pepi returned to the pitch for his first minutes since January, coming off the bench in the second half of the victory.

Pepi suffered a season-ending injury against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League and missed out on both the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup over the past few months with the national team. Saturday marked his return to the game and bolstered his odds to be ready for the 2025-26 Eredivisie campaign.

He has also been linked with a transfer away from the club this summer, with Fulham reportedly showing interest.

Dest missed the majority of the 2024-25 season for PSV after tearing his ACL in April 2024. He made his competitive return in March, but has had multiple setbacks since, including his departure from the U.S. camp in June for the Gold Cup due to fitness issues.

Dest has made 32 appearances for the USMNT, scoring two goals and recording five assists. Pepi, meanwhile, has 33 caps where he’s scored 13 goals and managed three assists.

Dest will be evaluated by medical staff at the club, while Pepi will continue to ease back into the squad throughout preseason.