Will Richy Ledezma soon be called back to USMNT?

After Ledezma suffered a torn ACL in his right knee during a UEFA Europa League match with PSV against Omonia Nicosia the young player started a long recovery to heal in the best way possible and be ready to come back to the pitch.

Ledezma´s overview pre-injury

The U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder made five previous combined appearances with the first team in the 2020 season, registering one assist in Eredivisie’s play. He also made his senior debut for the USMNT in a 6-2 November friendly win over Panama in Austria earlier this fall.

The 20-year-old played most of the season with Jong PSV, scoring two goals and adding two assists in nine combined appearances. However, his performances were gradually increasing with PSV’s first team, and he did earn his first Eredivisie start against Sparta Rotterdam in 2020 November.

Ledezma recovery process

Ledezma underwent surgery on Jan. 18, 2021. He came back to the U.S. for the operation, wanting to be closer to home. Dr. Bert Mandelbaum, a world-renowned surgeon who has also worked on other players from the USMNT, performed the procedure. It took just under two hours; the recovery time would be close to a year.

At the beginning of the recovery period, Ledezma stood back from football. "I obviously couldn't play, and then every time I'd see my teammates playing, it would make me upset. At first, I would watch, as they're my teammates, but it was heartbreaking. I didn't even dream about football” said to ESPN the young player.

His move back to Eindhoven in late June marked the next stage in his recovery, and the sight of his teammates and the training ground marked a new chapter. "That was when my mentality changed ... me wanting to train every day. Working on my physicality, running every day, and yeah, just to be back better than ever."

First match since his recovery process

The game was played on December 6th where Ledezma returned to the pitch, coming on at half-time of the PSV reserves' game against De Graafschap. PSV lost 3-2, but Ledezma made it through unscathed. 

“Feels amazing to be back, being out for almost a year was difficult but learned and grew so much during rehab. Thankful to everyone that has supported me along the way and who continues to support me. God has definitely been on my side and I’m excited and looking forward to the next upcoming games” said the PSV player on his comeback to the pitch.

USMNT Future for the young player

After appearing for the USMNT in November, Ledezma now could be in the plans of Gregg Berhalter USMNT. The soccer national team will face Bosnia next December 18 to continue preparing for the World Cup qualifiers. The U.S. soccer team is in second place behind Canada with six games to go.

The last call-up did not include Richy Ledezma due to his recent recovery but depending on how he evolves and how many minutes he gets at PSV will determine a possible return to the national team. Ledezma is also an option for Jason Kreis’ U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team manager.