Pepi Injury Casts Shadow as Balogun Delivers in Europe
Ricardo Pepi’s weekend began with a goal and ended with a setback that could shape the USMNT’s early 2026 plans, while Folarin Balogun provided a timely boost by finding the net for Monaco in cup action.
Pepi marked his return to competitive action with a trademark close range finish, but the moment quickly turned sour after an awkward landing left him clutching his arm. The diagnosis later confirmed the worst. Surgery is required, and the striker is expected to miss up to two months, placing his availability for the March international window in doubt.
Away from that concern, Balogun delivered the standout positive. The American forward opened the scoring for Monaco in a 3-1 Coupe de France victory over Orleans, underlining his growing importance to a side chasing silverware.
The goal arrived midway through the first half and followed a familiar script. Denis Zakaria slipped a well weighted pass through the middle, Balogun used his pace to separate from the defense, and he finished calmly with his only shot of the match. It was ruthless efficiency, and exactly what Monaco needed to settle the tie.
The wider context only strengthens Balogun’s case. He now has six goal contributions in limited league minutes, has scored in three consecutive Champions League appearances, and continues to build momentum as Monaco advance toward a trophy they have not lifted since 1991. As the competition intensifies, his confidence is becoming a shared asset for the team.
Elsewhere, the weekend carried mixed emotions for American players. Chris Richards returned to action for Crystal Palace and delivered a strong individual performance, but it came during a historic FA Cup defeat to non league Macclesfield. Richards was active throughout, dominant in the air and composed in possession, yet his display was overshadowed by a result that will linger in Palace history.
The injury to Pepi, however, remains the defining storyline. The timing is especially cruel, arriving just as his form had sharpened and transfer interest was beginning to surface again. After battling back to full fitness in 2025, he was tracking toward a career season with 10 goals in 21 appearances before misfortune struck once more.
As the dust settles, the contrast is clear. Balogun continues to rise, converting moments into momentum, while Pepi faces another spell on the sidelines at a critical juncture. For the USMNT, the coming months will hinge on recovery timelines and sustained form, with both strikers still central to plans as the road to the World Cup continues.