Folarin Balogun's spot on Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT squad at risk after 'painful' shoulder injury with Monaco

Monaco manager Adi Hutter revealed that Balogun has suffered a painful shoulder injury, leaving his spot in the U.S. squad uncertain

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• Folarin Balogun exited Rennes win with injury
• Scored in the first half in 2-1 victory
• Was named in Mauricio Pochettino's first U.S. roster

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Balogun's game ended early on Saturday when the striker exited the contest in the second half with an apparent shoulder injury. He was pictured with his arm in a sling after the game.

  The setback comes after a strong run of form for the USMNT striker in which he had found the net in three straight Ligue 1 games – while also offering key contributions in the Champions League.

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• WHAT HUTTER SAID

  In a postgame press conference, Monaco manager Adi Hutter said Balogun may be facing a spell on the sidelines: "He has injured his shoulder and it was very painful. We will await the verdict of the tests."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Balogun's injury would seem to shake up the USMNT picture for the upcoming window. It could present opportunities for either Josh Sargent or Ricardo Pepi to get a look at the wide-open central striking role for Pochettino.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BALOGUN AND THE USMNT?

  The extent of the forward's injury remains unclear. For Pochettino and the USMNT, though, the issues are mounting. Gio Reyna has suffered a setback in a muscle problem, while Tyler Adams will also miss the upcoming fixtures with Panama and Mexico.