Duo Returns From Injury

Tillman and Balogun Each Subbed On For Their Respective Clubs This Weekend

Malik Tillman made a significant step in his recovery journey this weekend, featuring for PSV Eindhoven in their match against Ajax on Sunday. The American midfielder played the entire second half, marking an earlier-than-anticipated return from a serious ankle ligament injury sustained last December. Initially, there were concerns that Tillman might miss the remainder of the season, but his comeback puts him in contention for Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT Gold Cup squad this summer.

Despite Tillman's return bringing positive news for PSV, the match resulted in a disappointing outcome for the reigning Dutch champions, who fell nine points behind league leaders Ajax in the Eredivisie title race, making their chances of retaining the championship increasingly unlikely.

Meanwhile, Folarin Balogun also marked his return to action, making his first league appearance for Monaco since undergoing shoulder surgery in December. The forward came off the bench in the 76th minute during Monaco's 2-1 victory over OGC Nice on Saturday. Balogun recorded nine touches and one off-target shot attempt during his brief cameo.

Balogun's return is particularly significant for the USMNT, as the striker has missed every camp under new manager Mauricio Pochettino due to injury. This summer will mark his first opportunity to work with the Argentine coach ahead of both the June international window and the CONCACAF Gold Cup.