Johnny Cardoso sidelined as Real Betis advances in Conference League

La Liga side Real Betis advanced to the UEFA Europa Conference League quarterfinals on Thursday but Johnny Cardoso was not part of the action.

Cardoso missed the 4-0 second leg Round of 16 victory over Vitoria de Guimaraes due to a slight injury. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder did not dress for Manuel Pellegrini’s squad after being questionable earlier in the week.

Cedric Bakambu scored twice in the victory while Antony and Isco also added goals of their own.

Cardoso has made 33 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two goals and adding one assist. The 23-year-old was recently called into Mauricio Pochettino’s 23-player roster for this month’s CONCACAF Nations League Final Four.

However, Cardoso’s absence on Thursday could lead to a potential USMNT roster change if his status doesn’t change for this weekend.

Real Betis will face off with Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok in the Conference League quarterfinals but first faces Leganes and Sevilla in league play this month.