Only one thing haunts a forward in soccer more than anything else, and no, it’s not failing to find the back of the net. It’s the fear of injury and being replaced by someone better. That nightmare may now be a reality for Folarin Balogun, who is set to miss four months after undergoing shoulder surgery. Both AS Monaco and USMNT head coaches will have to cope without his services for a while.

Speaking at a press conference, AS Monaco head coach Adi Hütter revealed that the former Arsenal forward would not return till March, missing out the majority of the club season and the CONCACAF Nations League for USMNT. Earlier this season, Folarin Balogun had dislocated his shoulder during a match against Stade Rennais in October. 

Balogun initially missed six Ligue 1 matches for Monaco before returning at the end of November for their Champions League fixture against Benfica. The forward also started in the club’s 2-1 defeat against Marseille but was subbed off in the 68th minute, following discomfort in his shoulder. 

“He will be operated on tomorrow,” said Hütter during Monday’s press conference. “He will be out for four months”. So far this season, Folarin Balogun has made just seven appearances, scoring thrice for AS Monaco. He last featured for the USMNT in a 1-1 draw against New Zealand in September.

Balogun was once a regular under former manager Gregg Berhalter, but since Mauricio Pochettino took over, the forward has yet to feature for the Argentine. Now with this injury setback, both club and country are eyeing potential replacements, with there being uncertainty over whether they will be long-term solutions. 

Who will step up in Folarin Balogun’s absence?

With the 23-year-old out, Hütter is likely to be busy when the January transfer window opens up. Monaco has failed to score in their last three games, so the head coach will be eager to find a forward to complement the likes of Breel Embolo and George Ilenikhena. The team will be facing the league leaders next, and one of the Paris Saint-Germain players could be a good fit. 

When Hütter was asked if PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani could potentially join their side, the manager acknowledged it as a good idea but emphasized that they were specifically looking for a replacement for the second half of the season. As for the USMNT, Mauricio Pochettino might have already found a replacement in the likes of a PSV forward. 

Since Ricardo Pepi started in place of the injured Balogun, he has consistently found the back of the net. The forward scored in the USMNT’s 5-2 aggregate win over Jamaica. With 10 goals in 15 games for the Dutch club, former USMNT stars have already named Pepi as the new no.9 for the Stars and Stripes. Only time will tell if Folarin Balogun finds his name on the teamsheet upon his return.