US Striker Pepi Fractures Forearm in PSV Victory

Ricardo Pepi, a key striker for the United States men's national team, suffered a fractured forearm while scoring a goal for PSV Eindhoven in a Dutch Eredivisie match on Saturday, sidelining the 23-year-old for approximately two months.

The injury occurred in the 23rd minute of PSV's 5-1 victory over Excelsior in Eindhoven. Pepi tapped in a low cross from teammate Guus Til to give his side a 2-0 lead, but he lost his footing and fell awkwardly onto his outstretched arm near the goal line. Medics attended to him immediately on the pitch, and he was substituted shortly after, leaving in visible pain. Hospital examinations confirmed a fracture, and Pepi underwent surgery the following day. PSV officials expect a full recovery in time for the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host with Canada and Mexico.

"It didn't look good right away, and at such a moment you would prefer to look the other way," PSV head coach Peter Bosz said in a statement to the club's website. Bosz noted Pepi's recent progress after a previous knee injury that sidelined him for six months last season. "Pepi was on a good run, had a strong training camp and was all the way back. He became more confident and...