DeAndre Yedlin injures thigh, could miss USMNT’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers

Eyebrows were raised today when neither DeAndre Yedlin nor his main competition for the Newcastle United right back spot, Vernon Anita, were in Rafa Benitez’s starting lineup in a 0-0 draw against Reading.

A writer who covers the club, Miles Starforth, stated that the 23-year-old had picked up a ‘minor injury’ in training during the week and was held out of the matchday squad. Nothing concerning there. However, after the match, Rafa revealed that Yedlin’s injury could be worse than initially suspected.

It’s unclear at this time what exactly that means. Is it worse than expected because it kept him out of action for this match or is it something that could be more long-term? If it’s the former than it could be nothing to worry about. If it’s the latter then United States men’s national team fans have much to worry about.

With Timothy Chandler already suspended for the March 24 World Cup qualifier against Honduras, losing Yedlin would force Bruce Arena to dig even deeper into the player pool to fill the right back spot. Possibly even as far as Graham Zusi, who has recently converted from a midfielder to a right back for club and country.

It remains to be seen just how bad Yedlin’s injury is. Hopefully it’s nothing. We’ll update as soon as we know more.

Update: It appears he has a slight tear in his thigh and will be out one to two weeks.