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Cavan Sullivan picked up an ankle injury on Saturday, and the Philadelphia Union felt the impact right away. But what does this mean for the U.S. men's national team?
The Union watched their impressive 15-game unbeaten run come to an end, falling 2–1 to the New England Revolution at Subaru Park in a result that carries major weight in the MLS Cup playoff race and pushes a prized top-four seed in the Eastern Conference further from Philadelphia's grasp. It marked the club's first regular season defeat since May 24, a stretch that was initially sparked on July 22 following the World Cup and coincided neatly with Sullivan's emergence as a starter.
Before the World Cup, the 17-year-old winger had made just six MLS starts for the Union going back to February. Since the World Cup—and the arrival of interim manager Ryan Richter—Sullivan had featured in every regular season starting lineup but one (Sept. 26), when international commitments with the USMNT kept him away.
Sullivan, who now boasts seven goals and 14 assists on the season, took a knock to his ankle during last week's draw with Charlotte FC. The spirited teenager pushed through the discomfort, however, completing all 90 minutes. His condition had not improved by midweek, leading him to sit out Wednesday's training session. But when he returned to the training pitch the next day, it appeared he would be fit to face the Revolution.
"He's all good," Richter told reporters Thursday, easing any worries. "He took a knock in the game on Saturday against Charlotte, and we're just trying to manage that through this week. But he should be available for Saturday. So he was out on the field today, but like I said, just managing that through the week and trying to get him so that he's at his best for this weekend."
However, the injury turned out to be more serious than expected. Sullivan was listed as unavailable in the league's injury report Friday evening, and he could only look on from the bench as his side failed to mount a successful comeback against the Revolution.
When Will Cavan Sullivan Return to the Pitch?
The extent and severity of Sullivan's ankle injury remains unclear, as does his expected recovery timeline, according to sources within the Union who spoke to Sports Illustrated. Beyond the Union's playoff ambitions, Sullivan will be required for the USMNT's upcoming November camp, giving him just two weeks to return to full fitness.
The Stars and Stripes are scheduled to gather on Nov. 9, ahead of back-to-back matches against Haiti in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals—their first competitive games since the 2026 World Cup. Manager Mauricio Pochettino will be eager to maintain the team's flawless record after going 4–0 during the September-October international window, and he'll likely look to the teenage sensation to help deliver.
Sullivan is arguably the team's most potent winger option right now, particularly given Christian Pulisic's ongoing difficulties. Despite holding just three senior international caps, Sullivan has rapidly captured global attention and emerged as the new face of the USMNT, effectively stepping into the role previously held by Pulisic.
He was a genuine game-changer during the last camp, earning a starting berth in the matches against Peru and Mexico. At 17 years and five days old, he became the youngest goal-scorer in USMNT history, helping the side claim a 3–0 victory over El Tri—Pochettino's first win against the fierce Concacaf rival since taking charge.