Matt Besler has ankle surgery, could miss USMNT January camp

USMNT and Sporting Kansas City defender Matt Besler underwent a surgical procedure this past week to clean out bone spurs in left ankle.

Besler is expected to be ready for MLS preseason, but it is not known if he’ll be available for Bruce Arena’s first camp as USMNT manager in January.

The surgery opens an offseason of uncertainty for the 29-year-old. After a season that saw him get benched by his manager, it’s not guaranteed that he returns to SKC next season.

Just like it was under Klinsmann, his USMNT spot isn’t a certainty either. The center back spot is a constant revolving door and with more players than ever likely being considered by the new manager, Besler could be at a disadvantage if he is to miss the January camp.

2016 was an interesting year for Besler with the national team. It saw him score his first international goal against St. Vincent & the Grenadines in September. He also played some left back in important games to mixed results. And he was left out of some others. He’s never been a lock call-up for the U.S. and will a change in regime, he’ll need to come back from this surgery in great form if he’s to impress Arena and win a spot.