Folarin Balogun’s got a real problem on his hands, his shoulder injury is the game-changer no one saw coming. “It doesn’t look bad at the moment, looks like he could be back earlier on the pitch,” Monaco’s boss Hütter said. Well, that’s what he thought, right? He had to hit the surgery table for that dislocation, and now he’s looking at four months off the pitch. And that poses a bit of worry in his future with the Stars and Stripes.

His shoulder injury, which started as a minor issue back on October 5 during Monaco’s gritty 2-1 win over Rennes, has now turned into a full-blown crisis. Four months without a player who could’ve been a game-changer for both Monaco and the USMNT. Balogun’s got a lot to prove when he returns in April 2025, but can he get back to the form that had everyone buzzing, or will the door close before he even gets the chance?

While Balogun is in recovery, Pepi takes center stage

“All that Mauricio Pochettino knows is Ricardo Pepi is my guy because when he’s played for me, he has scored goals. So right now, it really is Ricardo Pepi. So if you’re following Balogun, what you can’t afford is a situation where that door closes on you.”Herculez Gomez and Sebastian Salazar discussed this on their podcast. Four months off the pitch is a long time, especially when your competition is lighting it up. Pepi has scored a total of 12 goals this season for PSV, including important ones for the U.S. in the CONCACAF Nations League: two against Jamaica.

Pepi’s out here constantly flexing and proving his worth. Balogun, on the other hand, will be in recovery. If he doesn’t return in top form, Pochettino may not hesitate to stick with Pepi, leaving Balogun’s spot in jeopardy. “Right now, it really is Ricardo Pepi,” Salazar remarked. Well, we can resonate with these pundits because, time waits for no one, and neither does competition.

Now, before you start counting Balogun out, let’s rewind: Balogun was electric. Three goals in just eight games for Monaco, and remember his Copa América heroics? Two of the USMNT’s three goals came from his feet. That was only supposed to be a start for something massive. But now, with Monaco’s attack scrambling without their star, they have some decisions to face for the USMNT.

Meanwhile, Ricardo Pepi is living his best life. He is scoring goals for Mauricio Pochettino and showing he’s the real deal. Pepi’s got all the confidence, and he’s grabbing the spotlight. There is never any certainty that Balogun will walk right back into Mauricio Pochettino’s plans. Now, what about Monaco?

Monaco searches for solutions for Folarin Balogun’s spot

Balogun’s been a bright spot for both Monaco and the USMNT, but the timing of his return is everything. If he doesn’t come back sharp, that door could slam shut faster than we can say “game-changer.” Just like USMNT, the French side also has concerns over his recovery.

Talking about competition, Monaco’s got Breel Embolo, who’s scored three goals and grabbed four assists this season. They also have 18-year-old George Ilenikhena, who made a notable impact in the UEFA Champions League, scoring Monaco’s decisive goal in their 2-1 triumph over FC Barcelona. But let’s be real—neither can replicate Balogun’s flair.

As the four months pass, the clock will continue ticking. For Balogun, the pressure will be to not just return to fitness but also prove that he can seize his moment with the national team. Pepi is showing no signs of slowing down, so the 23-year-old is required to prove himself if he intends to take the field again. Time will tell if that door opens again—or if it stays shut for good.