USMNT M Malik Tillman avoids serious injury ahead of World Cup

Field Level Media|published: Fri 27th February, 14:19 2026

Oct 10, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; United States midfielder Malik Tillman (17) during player introductions at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Coleman-Imagn Images

After initial fears of a serious ankle injury, United States men's national team midfielder Malik Tillman is expected to be back on the field soon.

Tillman was injured in a game last Saturday as he played for his club team, Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. He missed a Champions League game on Tuesday and is also expected to sit out his club's match this weekend.

"(The tackle on Tillman) was very dangerous and brutal," Bayer Leverkusen manager Kasper Hjulmand said.

Added Hjulmand: "... Fortunately it's nothing long-term."

Tillman, 23, has scored six goals with one assist in 28 appearances with Bayer Leverkusen this season. He just joined the club from PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands this past summer on a $41 million transfer.

The German-born Tillman has an American father making him eligible to play for the USMNT. He has 26 appearances for the United States with three goals.

Tillman is expected to be invited to USMNT camp in advance of this summer's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. He scored a pair of goals for the USMNT in a June CONCACAF Gold Cup game against Trinidad and Tobago.

--Field Level Media

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