Folarin Balogun, the promising US Men’s National Team (USMNT) and Monaco forward, is set to miss two crucial months of competition due to a dislocated shoulder.
According to French sports outlet L’Equipe, Balogun suffered a severe injury to his left shoulder’s glenohumeral joints during AS Monaco’s 2-1 victory over Rennes on Sunday, October 6.
The 23-year-old striker, who scored in the match, has been sidelined since the incident and was forced to withdraw from the USMNT squad for the ongoing international break.
This marks the first camp under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, making Balogun’s absence particularly disappointing.
Folarin Balogun’s injury marks a significant blow for Monaco and the US Team
Balogun’s injury is a significant blow to both Monaco and the USMNT. With his team atop the Ligue 1 table after a remarkable six victories, 1 draw, and no loss. Balogun’s absence will be deeply felt.
Balogun, who was racially abused, had found form before the injury, scoring in Monaco’s three consecutive matches.
For the USMNT, Balogun’s prolonged absence puts his participation in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals in November in jeopardy.
Should he miss the remainder of the year, his earliest possible return to the national team would be the Nations League Final next March, contingent upon the Americans advancing to that stage.
Moreover, the young forward’s injury also casts doubt on his availability for Monaco’s UEFA Champions League clash against former club Arsenal on December 11.
In Balogun’s absence, Monaco manager Philippe Hutter will rely on Breel Embolo and George Ilenikhena as his primary striking options.
Balogun’s promising start to the season, which included impressive performances in both Ligue 1 and Champions League, has been halted, and fans will eagerly await his return to action in 2025.
Who is Folarin Balogun?
Folarin Jerry Balogun is an American professional soccer player who plays as a striker for Ligue 1 club Monaco and the United States national team.
Balogun’s club career
The Nigerian descent hailed from Hale’s End academy prospect of Arsenal and was promoted to the first team in 2020 and featured sparingly for the club.
Afterward, he went on loan to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough in 2022.
In the following season, Balogun made his breakthrough in a loan move to Ligue 1 side Reims, where he scored 21 goals in 37 appearances to be the French league’s fourth top scorer of the season.
In August 2023 Balogun left Arsenal and signed with Monaco for €40 million (£34m/$43m).
Folarin Balogun’s background
The 23-year-old was born in New York City, and emigrated to England when he was two years old, growing up in London.
His father and mother were born in Nigeria making him eligible to represent England, USA and Nigeria national team.
Which country does Folarin Balogun play for?
Balogun has represented both the United States and England at the youth international level.
However, in May 2023, he made the decision to play for the United States senior national team.
He made his debut in June 2023, winning the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League and scoring his first goal in the final.
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