Atlanta's Miles Robinson likely to miss World Cup with Achilles injury

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson will likely miss the World Cup for the United States after rupturing the Achilles tendon in his left leg during an MLS game.

The team announced that Robinson would undergo surgery Monday after an MRI confirmed the worst-case scenario.

Robinson was injured on a noncontact play in the first half of Saturday’s 4-1 win over Chicago Fire. The 25-year-old central defender was carried off the field on a stretcher. He faces a lengthy recovery and rehab period that probably will cost him a roster spot at the World Cup.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Atlanta defender Miles Robinson (12) reacts after injuring his leg during the MLS match between Chicago Fire and Atlanta United FC on May 7th, 2022 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Americans open the tournament in Qatar on Nov. 21 against Ukraine, Scotland or Wales. Robinson started 11 of 14 World Cup qualifiers for the U.S. team.

"Just heartbreaking," Atlanta defender Brooks Lennon said. "I think we were all kind of stunned. We’re praying for him. We wish him a speedy recovery."

Robinson took a step back near the midfield stripe to head a ball that had been headed by Chinonso Offor in the 14th minute. With Stanislav Ivanov closing in but not making contact, Robinson headed the ball down and kicked it forward with his right foot as he landed awkwardly and fell.

Robinson pointed at his left leg with his both arms, pounded the artificial turf at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and pointed at his leg again as athletic trainers came out to attend to him.

Robinson has three goals in 21