Antonee Robinson: How the USMNT Left-Back’s Breakout Premier League Season Is Turning Heads

Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson will miss this weekend’s Premier League opener at Brighton & Hove Albion as he completes rehabilitation from May knee surgery, head coach Marco Silva confirmed on Thursday. The 28-year-old U.S. men’s national-team regular underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee after logging 36 league matches and a position-best 10 assists for Fulham last season. Silva said the defender is “still recovering” but expects him “back in contention soon,” hinting at a possible return before the September FIFA window. Short-term headache for Fulham • With Ryan Sessegnon also sidelined, Silva must improvise on the left flank. Timothy Castagne and young full-back Luciano D’Auria-Henry trained in the role this week, while a late dip into the transfer market remains possible. • Robinson’s blazing overlap runs were central to Fulham’s 2024-25 attack: the Cottagers averaged 1.6 expected goals per game when he started, 1.1 without him. USMNT ripple effect National-team boss Mauricio Pochettino has already used four different left-backs in Robinson’s absence this year. Another camp without the Premier League starter would open the door for Max Arfsten, John Tolkin or Joe Scally to audition one last time before 2026 World Cup qualifying intensifies. Recovery timeline and what’s next Club sources indicate Robinson is entering the final phase of his rehab, focusing on change-of-direction drills and match-fitness sessions. Barring setbacks, he could target Fulham’s home clash with Tottenham on 31 August or, more conservatively, the trip to Crystal Palace on 14 September. Search-friendly quick facts • Injury: Right-knee arthroscopy (May 2025) • Status: Out vs Brighton, expected return late August/early September • 2024-25 stats: 36 PL games, 10 assists, 2,900+ minutes • Contract: Runs to June 2027 with rumored £35 m release clause • USMNT caps: 50 Bottom line Robinson’s absence is a frustrating but temporary blow for Fulham and the USMNT. If his recovery stays on schedule, the Premier League’s most productive full-back last season should be back bombing forward down the left before the calendar flips to October—just in time for club and country to accelerate toward their 2025-26 objectives.