US international Patrick Agyemang has been ruled out of this summer’s World Cup after sustaining an Achilles tendon injury, his club Derby County confirmed on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old forward was stretchered off during the first half of Derby’s 2-0 Championship victory over Stoke City on Monday.

In a statement, Derby County confirmed the severity of the injury, writing: “The club will provide Patrick with the highest level of medical care and rehabilitation throughout his recovery.”

They further stated: “As a result of this injury, Patrick will unfortunately miss this summer’s FIFA World Cup. At this stage it would be wrong to put a timeline on his recovery.”

Agyemang, who has netted six goals in 14 appearances for his country since his debut last year, had featured in both of the US team’s friendlies during the March international window.

The news comes as US coach Mauricio Pochettino prepares to finalize his World Cup squad by the May 30 deadline.

The United States, co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, are drawn in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia and Turkey.

The World Cup is due to get underway on June 11 and runs until July 19.

Agyemang’s injury is the latest blow for the US national team after they suffered two defeats in last month’s friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, as they prepare for this summer’s tournament on home soil.

Belgium beat the US 5-2 after coming from behind to score five unanswered goals before Agyemang netted a late consolation.

Things did not go much better against Portugal as the European nation claimed a 2-0 victory last week.

Goals from Francisco Trincao and Joao Felix sealed a comfortable win for Portugal, leaving Pochettino with plenty to think about if the US are to be competitive at the World Cup as they aim to reach the latter stages of the tournament.