Ricardo Pepi is dealing with a knee injury, GOAL can confirm, as the U.S. men's national team star remains the subject of interest from West Ham
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Pepi battling a knee injuryBelief is that it isn't too seriousSubject of transfer offer from West HamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?
Pepi scored one and assisted another in Wednesday's 3-2 Champions League win over Liverpool, but it came at something of a cost. GOAL can confirm that Pepi did suffer a knee injury in the PSV victory, although the hope is that the injury is relatively minor. Sources tell GOAL that all involved are in wait-and-see mode as the injury is assessed further.
Reports of Pepi's knee injury first emerged from Eindhovens Dagblad.
If Pepi does miss time, it will be a huge blow to PSV, who are set for the playoff round of the Champions League in February. Additionally, the club is fighting for an Eredivisie title, nursing a four-point lead over Ajax, who have one game in hand. Pepi has been fantastic for PSV this season, scoring 11 goals in the league and six more in other competitions despite largely being used as a backup by the club.
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The news comes in the wake of a $26 million bid from West Ham, as GOAL confirmed on Wednesday that the Premier League side submitted a loan-to-buy offer for the 22-year-old American. GOAL can also confirm that PSV turned down West Ham's offer, but the Hammers are now expected to come back with an even larger one as they push to sign the striker.
Pepi has drawn interest from England and Spain throughout this month, although PSV Director of Football Earnie Stewart told GOAL that the club has no interest in selling.
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According to Opta, Pepi has now scored at least one goal in each of his eight starts for PSV this season, bringing his total to 14 goals across those eight starts. In the Eredivisie, he's scored 11 goals in just under 700 minutes.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR PSV?
Following Wednesday's win over Liverpool, PSV are looking ahead to a match against NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie on Saturday before hosting Feyenoord in the KNVB Cup quarterfinal on Feb. 5.