Antonee Robinson Returns to Full Fitness with First Premier League Start of the Season
United States left-back Antonee Robinson has made a significant step towards regaining his full fitness after knee surgery, earning his first Premier League start of the season with Fulham on Saturday. The 28-year-old player underwent right knee surgery on May 27, just two days after Fulham’s Premier League finale, and has since experienced recurring pain in his knee, limiting his appearances to just four matches this season.
Robinson’s most recent appearance before Saturday’s match was against Aston Villa on September 28, highlighting the extent of his layoff due to the knee issue. However, his successful return to the starting lineup and completion of the full 90 minutes in Fulham’s 3-2 win over Burnley will undoubtedly boost his prospects of being available for the 2026 World Cup, which the United States is co-hosting. Notably, Robinson has not featured in any international matches for the US this season, making his return to fitness a welcome development for the national team.
Path to World Cup Recovery
Mauricio Pochettino’s side has a series of friendlies lined up before the World Cup campaign begins, including matches against Belgium on March 28, Portugal on March 31, Senegal on May 31, and Germany on June 6. These fixtures will provide Robinson with valuable opportunities to regain his match sharpness and impress the national team selectors. Historically, Robinson has been a key player for the US, starting all four games as the team reached the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
The US men’s national team is set to begin its World Cup campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 12. With Robinson’s return to fitness, the team’s prospects for the tournament have received a significant boost. As one of the co-hosts, the US will be looking to make a strong impression on home soil, and a fully fit Antonee Robinson will be crucial to their chances of success. The team’s upcoming friendlies will provide valuable preparation and insight into the squad’s readiness for the World Cup.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report, providing additional context to Robinson’s journey back to full fitness and the implications for the US national team’s World Cup ambitions. As the World Cup approaches, the US team will be closely watched, and Robinson’s contributions will be under scrutiny. His successful return to the Premier League, however, is a promising sign for US soccer fans and bodes well for the team’s chances in the upcoming tournament.
