Colorado Springs native Sam Vines to miss World Cup for USMNT with broken tibia – The Denver Post

Colorado Springs native Sam Vines will miss the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar for the United States Men’s National Team after sustaining a broken tibia.

The 23-year-old left back made the announcement Saturday, a day after suffering the bone break at training with his club, Royal Antwerp FC in Belgium. He underwent immediate surgery, which was successful, but a source familiar with the situation said he needed two screws to secure the bone in place. As a result, the dream to make his first World Cup is over, and he is set to miss the next three to four months.

The injury is doubly cruel because of the timing, with U.S. Soccer set to announce its World Cup squad on Wednesday. Vines was in contention to make the team as a backup left back to Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, who is also not at 100% fitness with an ankle injury.

Vines, a former Colorado Rapids homegrown signing, took to Instagram to detail his injury.

“Life is full of ups and downs. Unfortunately, yesterday I broke my tibia and had to get surgery,” he said. “The operation went well and I should be back in 3-4 months. Upset I missed the chance to be in the World Cup but I will be supporting the boys until the end.”

Vines was able to compete for that spot because of an exceptional start to the 2022 club campaign, as he played in almost every minute of Royal Antwerp’s games starting in late July through November.

Vines was called in to the USMNT’s final camp ahead of the World Cup in September, which featured games against Japan and Saudi Arabia. Vines played all 90 minutes against Japan and had a solid outing to keep the pressure on.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CklNBjJoGul/

A post shared by Sam Vines (@sammyvines)

Denna Vines, Sam’s mother, told The Post that he will spend recovery time back in Colorado Springs, and while he was initially incredibly devastated, the family believes he will come back stronger.

The USMNT is dealing with a number of injuries that could keep key players out, including midfielder Luca De la Torre and Weston McKennie and center back Chris Richards. Goalkeeper Matt Turner has missed the last few games, as well.

The U.S. is set to open the World Cup Nov. 21 against Wales.

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