Patrick Agyemang, an international player for the United States, will miss the upcoming World Cup after sustaining a significant Achilles tendon injury.
Emotion was evident as Agyemang was taken off on a stretcher, his right leg immobilized, following a misstep during Derby’s 2-0 win over Stoke in the English Championship’s second tier on Monday.
On Tuesday, Derby confirmed that the striker would be sidelined for the tournament, which will take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in June and July.
“Due to this injury, Patrick will regrettably be unable to participate in this summer’s FIFA World Cup,” Derby stated in an announcement. “At this point, it’s premature to estimate a recovery timeline.”
The club noted that Agyemang would undergo further tests later on Tuesday, with updates to follow.
Agyemang, 25, has been a key contributor to Derby’s promotion efforts, leading the team with 10 goals since joining from Charlotte FC in MLS last summer.
In the latest international break, he came off the bench for the U.S. and scored in a match against Belgium, and also played in a game against Portugal.