<\/p>\n
Johnny Cardoso is back in the Atl\u00e9tico Madrid squad<\/b> for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against <\/b>Barcelona<\/b><\/a> on Tuesday. The USMNT midfielder missed last week\u2019s first leg due to fitness issues.<\/p>\n Cardoso, who has been in and out of the Atl\u00e9tico team since joining from Real Betis last summer, started his club\u2019s last two matches before the March international break. Those came in high-profile clashes against Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League and Real Madrid in LaLiga. However, he played only 45 minutes of the USMNT\u2019s friendly against Belgium<\/b> on March 28, after which it was reported he was dealing with muscle fatigue.<\/b><\/p>\n The 24-year-old was released before the U.S.\u2019 second March friendly against Portugal and returned to Madrid, where it was later confirmed he had suffered a thigh muscle injury.<\/b><\/p>\n That setback kept Cardoso out<\/b> of LaLiga defeats to Barcelona and Sevilla, as well as the first leg of the quarterfinal. He has now been named in the Atl\u00e9tico squad for Tuesday\u2019s return leg.<\/b><\/p>\n The American international will compete with Koke, Marcos Llorente, Rodri Mendoza and Obed Vargas for a starting spot in central midfield.<\/p>\n Born in New Jersey to Brazilian parents, Cardoso moved to Brazil when he was just 3 months old. Despite growing up in South America, he began representing the USMNT at the under-23 level in 2019.<\/b><\/p>\n Cardoso made his senior debut for the United States<\/b> in a friendly against Wales in November 2020<\/b> and has since earned 23 caps.<\/b><\/p>\n For Tuesday\u2019s clash with Bar\u00e7a<\/a>, Diego Simeone has a selection headache at the back, with defensive trio Jos\u00e9 Mar\u00eda Gim\u00e9nez, David Hancko and Marc Pubill all unavailable.<\/b><\/p>\n Midfielder Pablo Barrios also remains absent<\/b>, but goalkeeper Jan Oblak is back in contention<\/b> after missing the last seven games with a muscle injury.<\/p>\n Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. <\/i>Download now for all-access coverage<\/i><\/a>, right at your fingertips \u2013 anytime, anywhere.<\/i><\/p>\n And there\u2019s more: check out our <\/i>TikTok<\/i><\/a> and <\/i>Instagram reels<\/i><\/a> for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\nCardoso injury confirmed after USMNT duty<\/h2>\n
From New Jersey to the USMNT, via Brazil<\/h2>\n
Atl\u00e9tico selection issues vs Barcelona<\/h2>\n
Related stories<\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<\/section>\n