World Cup blow for Sam Vines as USMNT defender suffers fractured ankle weeks before tournament | OneFootball

Antwerp and Sam Vines were dealt a major blow when the defender suffered a fractured ankle during the week. Vines will now not be able to compete at the World Cup in Qatar for the United States Men’s National Team. The Colorado born Vines looked to have forced his way back into the USMNT squad in the past few months, playing 90 minutes in the recent friendly against Japan.

Vines has been ever present for Antwerp, playing in all 15 leagues matches so far this season. He has also scored once and provided one assist.

The USMNT has been drawn in a group with England, Iran and Wales, where they will have a strong chance of qualifying for the knock-out rounds of the tournament.

Vines joins Bjorn Engles and Koji Mijoshi on the injury list at Antwerp. The side from north Belgium are currently on a two game losing streak, having lost to title rivals Genk before a surprise away loss to managerless Charleroi. They host Anderlecht on Sunday, a side who have struggled and also recently sacked their manager, Felice Mazzu.