USMNT’s Folarin Balogun to miss four months after shoulder surgery, says Monaco head coach

USMNT and Monaco striker Folarin Balogun is expected to be sidelined for four months as he prepares to undergo shoulder surgery.

Monaco head coach Adi Hutter confirmed earlier this month the 23-year-old was set for an operation on his shoulder injury, and the German has now provided a timeframe for his recovery.

The prognosis means Balogun will likely not return to action until April, missing the majority of the 2024-25 season and the conclusion of the CONCACAF Nations League in March.

The United States face Panama in the Nations League semi-finals on March 20 before the winner plays Canada or Mexico in the final on March 24. Monaco’s Ligue 1 season, meanwhile, concludes in May.

“He will be operated on tomorrow,” Hutter said during Monday’s press conference, as reported by L’Equipe. “He will be out for four months.”

Balogun missed six Ligue 1 matches for Monaco after dislocating his shoulder in October but had returned at the end of November for their Champions League defeat by Benfica. Balogun then started his club’s 2-1 defeat by Marseille on December 1 but was withdrawn after 68 minutes.

Speaking before December’s Champions League tie with Arsenal, Hutter confirmed the 23-year-old had not travelled with the squad to face his former club after the decision was made for him to undergo surgery.

Balogun has provided three goals and an assist in 10 appearances in all competitions this season.

He has missed all of new USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino’s games in charge so far due to his shoulder problem.

Monaco are third in Ligue 1, seven points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain. Hutter’s side are also in the mix to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League, sitting 16th in the league phase.

(Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)