Why Sergino Dest is Missing from USMNT vs Panama

The United States men’s national team is getting ready for the Concacaf Nations League semifinals against Panama at SoFi stadium on Thursday. Coach Mauricio Pochettino will need to manage the absence of several players for this match. While Antonee Robinson, Johnny Cardoso, and Auston Trusty are unavailable due to health issues despite being on the roster, Sergino Dest and Folarin Balogun were also left off the squad.

Dest recently returned to playing for PSV in early March after recovering from an ACL tear that had kept him out since April 2024. He made his comeback on March 8, appearing as a substitute in a 2-1 win against Heerenveen, replacing Richard Ledezma. He has since started one more game for the Dutch team, playing 62 minutes in a victory over RKC Waalwijk.

Why isn’t Dest with the USMNT?

Despite his return to PSV, Dest was not included in the USMNT roster, which is understandable. Having played only 85 minutes of soccer in the past year, it’s considered best for his fitness to remain with PSV during this international break rather than rushing back to play for the USMNT. Dest has been a key player for the team under Gregg Berhalter, and his style suits Pochettino’s plans. However, it’s crucial to avoid pushing him back too quickly.

Joe Scally has effectively filled in at right back during Dest’s absence and provides the USMNT with a strong chance in this tournament. Similar to how Tyler Adams’ recovery at Bournemouth was carefully managed alongside international duties, the same approach is being taken with Dest. Adams has now returned and is set to play under Pochettino. This situation mirrors Dest’s, prioritizing careful reintegration.

Pochettino has emphasized the importance of maintaining positive relationships with clubs, which could be beneficial in the long run. With the Gold Cup coming up this summer, there will be another opportunity for Pochettino to assess Dest in a competitive setting before the World Cup. While the 2026 World Cup is approaching, there is still time to determine the best team roster.