USMNT's Ricardo Pepi calls injury minor setback, says recovery started

United States men's national team and PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi on Tuesday called his injury a "minor setback," and said he has already started his recovery to return to action with his club.

Pepi, 23, lasted only eight minutes in PSV's match in the Dutch Eredivisie against FC Twente on Sunday before raising his hand to the bench and sinking to the turf before his outing ended early.

Mauricio Pochettino replaced him in the USMNT 28-man squad with Damion Downs for four friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada in the September-October FIFA window.

"Thanks to everyone for the warm messages," Pepi said via the club website. "Unfortunately, this is just a minor setback. I have already started my recovery to be back as soon as possible and help the team." 

PSV Eindhoven did not disclose how long they expect Pepi to be out. Their next match is Oct. 9 against Heerenveen at home.

After that, away matches against RB Leipzig, ADO Den Haag, and FC Porto are on the schedule.

Pochettino's side is now missing its three key forwards from the World Cup -- Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic and Pepi.

Balogun made his first appearance of the season for AS Monaco as a substitute over the weekend, while Pulisic scored for Milan against Lecce after returning from an absence.