The United States men's national team is facing a growing midfield crisis just weeks before the World Cup roster is set to be announced. Manager Mauricio Pochettino may need to rethink his depth chart after two key European-based players suffered untimely injuries.

Tanner Tessmann, the versatile defensive midfielder from Alabama, has been sidelined with a muscle strain at his club, Lyon. Manager Paulo Fonseca confirmed that the injury will keep Tessmann out of Lyon's final two matches of the season, including a Sunday showdown with Toulouse and the season closer against Lens. While the extent of the strain isn't fully known, early reports from The Athletic suggest there isn't major concern about Tessmann's availability for the World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Tessmann, a product of the FC Dallas academy system, has been a reliable presence for Lyon this season, appearing in 41 matches across all competitions. He's shown his adaptability by stepping in at center back when needed, but his primary role as a defensive midfielder is where the USMNT needs him most. He started the March friendly against Belgium—a tough 5-2 loss—and played the second half of a 2-0 defeat to Portugal, proving he's in Pochettino's plans.

The timing couldn't be worse. Just days earlier, Atlético Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso left training with a high-grade ankle sprain, casting serious doubt on his participation in the summer showpiece. With two midfield options now nursing injuries, Pochettino will be hoping for positive news on both fronts as the June roster reveal approaches.

For fans tracking the squad's fitness, this is a reminder that World Cup preparation is as much about recovery as it is about form. Whether Tessmann's muscle strain is a minor setback or a sign of deeper concerns, the next two weeks will be crucial for the USMNT's midfield plans.