Adams Returns

Midfielder Plays in His First Match Since December in Draw with West Ham

For Tyler Adams and those watching America's World Cup preparations closely, Saturday brought a significant sigh of relief. The USMNT midfielder made his return to the pitch for the first time since December 15th, starting Bournemouth's goalless draw at West Ham's London Stadium and playing 66 minutes—a hugely encouraging sign with the tournament on home soil less than six months away.

Adams had been sidelined with an MCL injury sustained at Manchester United, a blow that initially prompted fears of a two-to-three month absence. Given his history of significant injury layoffs, which included hamstring and back problems that kept him out for lengthy stretches in both 2023 and 2024, the timing felt particularly cruel. He made the bench in Bournemouth's win over Everton on February 10 but didn't feature, making Saturday his first competitive action in over two months.

On the evidence of his return, the rust was minimal. Deployed in front of the center backs, Adams was tidy in possession, completing 91 percent of his passes, and diligent without the ball, making five clearances, five recoveries and an interception. His overall contribution underlined why Bournemouth missed him so badly.

The broader context matters enormously. Adams has been a USMNT fixture for eight years, captained the side at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and is expected to be central to Mauricio Pochettino's plans for 2026. After missing the October and November international windows last year, the March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta could represent a time to get back into the first-team fold. With the World Cup opener approaching, Adams' return was a very welcome sight.