Atlético Madrid has announced Johnny Cardoso will miss out against former side Real Betis on Thursday, Feb. 5 due to a muscle injury.

The U.S. men’s national team midfielder did not make the trip to Seville for the Copa del Rey quarterfinal after suffering an injury in training.

“Johnny will be unavailable due to discomfort he felt in the final training session before the match against Real Betis, which forced him to leave yesterday’s session,” Atlético said on social media.

“Medical staff carried out tests on the midfielder, confirming a low-grade muscle injury.”

It’s been a frustrating debut campaign with Atlético for Cardoso, who joined last summer after a season and a half with Betis.

The 24-year-old has played in 14 of a possible 34 games with the La Liga club, missing time with multiple injuries. Cardoso suffered an ankle injury early in the season, then dealt with a knee issue in December.

The injuries have harmed Cardoso’s chance to make an impression on USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino ahead of the World Cup.

Cardoso is on the roster bubble despite his success in Spain over the past two years. He has yet to fully impose himself at the international level, turning in a series of underwhelming displays with the USMNT.

In 2025, Cardoso made four appearances for the U.S. as he dealt with an injury that limited him to just two brief cameos at the Gold Cup.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Johnny Cardoso injury: Atletico Madrid midfielder has setback