After nearly a year away from the U.S. men’s national team, Antonee Robinson has returned — though not yet at full fitness. The Fulham full-back spoke candidly about the challenges of recovery from knee surgery, the mental toll of missing major tournaments, and his determination to contribute again as the USMNT prepare to face Ecuador and Australia in upcoming friendlies.
Robinson Returns to USMNT Camp After Long Absence
Fulham defender Antonee Robinson has rejoined the U.S. men’s national team for the first time in almost a year, ahead of friendlies against Ecuador and Australia. The 27-year-old admitted that while he’s not fully recovered from the knee surgery he underwent in May, he’s eager to play his part in the national team’s final preparations before 2026 World Cup qualifiers ramp up.
Speaking from Austin, Texas, Robinson said he’s still adapting physically but feels mentally ready to contribute again after months of frustration.
Lingering Effects of a Painful Knee Injury
Robinson revealed that the injury initially occurred during a U.S. friendly last fall. What started as a dead leg developed into a serious tendon split above his knee, causing persistent pain throughout Fulham’s 2024 campaign.
Despite the discomfort, the left-back continued playing through the season but was ultimately ruled out of the Nations League Finals and the Gold Cup, both of which the U.S. failed to win. After surgery in May, Robinson focused on rehabilitation and gradually rejoined full training over the summer.
“I’m still getting used to post-surgery,” Robinson explained. “I’ve been in full training and in contention to play matches at Fulham. I’ve had a few cameos and played 90 minutes in a cup game. I’m not feeling 100 percent yet, but I’m getting there slowly.”
The Mental Battle Away from the National Team
For Robinson, the hardest part wasn’t just physical recovery — it was watching from afar as his teammates struggled in tournaments he desperately wanted to help win.
It was really difficult,” he admitted. “We had some disappointments this year with not winning the Nations League and the Gold Cup. Those are trophies we take seriously, and not being able to help out was tough. I’d rather be out there taking responsibility, win or lose, than watching from home.
The absence also marked his longest spell away from the U.S. squad since becoming a regular under former coach Gregg Berhalter. After years of consistent involvement, the defender said the layoff felt “nearly a year too long.”
Building Fitness at Fulham
At club level, Robinson has gradually returned to action under Marco Silva, appearing mostly as a substitute while regaining sharpness. He’s completed 90 minutes only once so far this season but insists his condition is improving with every game.
His pace and defensive balance were critical to Fulham’s mid-table stability last season, and the club continues to manage his workload carefully to prevent setbacks. National team coach Mauricio Pochettino — who took charge of the USMNT earlier this year — confirmed that Robinson’s minutes will be monitored closely throughout this international window.
Eyes on Ecuador and Australia
The U.S. are set to face Ecuador on Friday in Austin before hosting Australia next Tuesday in Denver. Both matches will serve as important tests for Pochettino’s evolving side as he blends returning veterans with emerging talent ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
For Robinson, however, the focus remains personal — rediscovering his rhythm and contributing once again to a team he has long been a cornerstone of.
It’s just good to be back,” Robinson said. I’ve missed being around the group, and I’m working every day to get back to where I was before the injury.
The return of a fit and confident Antonee Robinson could prove invaluable not just for the USMNT’s defensive solidity, but also for their attacking width — a reminder of how vital his overlapping runs have been to the American style of play.
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