Fulham and United States men’s national team defender Antonee Robinson underwent successful minor surgery on his right knee on Tuesday, the club confirmed, marking the end of a demanding 2024-25 Premier League campaign. The 27-year-old left-back, a standout performer for the Cottagers, will now begin a period of rehabilitation with the goal of being fully fit for the start of the 2025-26 season. While no specific timeline for his recovery was provided, Fulham expressed optimism about his return, wishing him well during the close season.
Robinson, who has emerged as one of the Premier League’s top full-backs, played through knee tendonitis for much of the season, according to posts on X. Despite the discomfort, he featured in 38 matches across all competitions, including 36 of Fulham’s 38 Premier League fixtures, logging over 3,200 minutes. His resilience was evident in his exceptional output, as he recorded 10 assists, the most by any defender in the league, and solidified his reputation as a key figure in Fulham’s attack-minded left flank. His performances earned him the 2023-24 Fulham Player of the Season award and the 2025 U.S. Soccer Player of the Year honor, underscoring his growing influence on both club and international stages.
The surgery explains Robinson’s absence from the United States men’s national team roster for the upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup, a decision that initially puzzled fans given his status as a regular under coach Mauricio Pochettino. Alongside other USMNT stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Timothy Weah, Robinson was given the summer off to recover after a grueling club season. Pochettino, addressing the omissions, emphasized the importance of prioritizing player health ahead of the 2026 World Cup, noting that rest was deemed the best course for Robinson and others.
Robinson’s impact at Fulham has been profound since joining from Wigan Athletic in 2020 for £2 million. His pace, work rate, and attacking contributions have made him a fan favorite and a target for clubs like Newcastle, Marseille, Manchester City, and AC Milan, as reported by the Daily Mail. With a contract running until 2028, Fulham are under no pressure to sell, though interest in the dynamic left-back is likely to persist. His 189 appearances for the club, coupled with his role in their 2021-22 EFL Championship title and subsequent Premier League survival, highlight his importance to Marco Silva’s squad.
Despite a history of injuries, including a knee surgery in 2015-16 for torn cartilage during his time at Everton’s academy, Robinson has shown remarkable durability. Last summer, he also underwent minor procedures on his groin and wrist, yet still delivered a strong start to the 2024-25 season, including assists in matches against Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Brentford, Liverpool, and Bournemouth. His ability to handle top attackers like Mohamed Salah, while contributing offensively, has cemented his status as a complete modern full-back.