Folarin Balogun to Undergo Shoulder Surgery

Folarin Balogun, the American striker for AS Monaco, is set to undergo surgery on his shoulder injury, which he sustained in October due to a dislocated glenohumeral joint. Monaco coach Adi Hütter confirmed that Balogun will be sidelined for approximately three months following the operation, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding his fitness and playing time. After returning briefly to play two matches, he faced another setback during a match against Marseille, leading to his absence from recent games, including a highly anticipated match against his former club, Arsenal. Balogun has scored three goals in ten matches this season but has missed significant time, impacting his prospects with both Monaco and the USMNT under new coach Mauricio Pochettino. The injury has raised concerns about his ability to reclaim his starting position and contribute effectively as the 2026 World Cup approaches. Hütter expressed disappointment for both Balogun and the team, highlighting the unfortunate timing of the injury.