By IVES GALARCEP
When Eric Lichaj left his first match in a month after just 45 minutes, there was reason to be concerned that he had suffered another setback.
He did, and he may require surgery that could cost him a month of playing time at a crucial time.
According to Sky Sports, Lichaj could wind up missing up to a month as he battles a groin injury that looks like it will require surgery.
Nothing official has been released by Nottingham Forest about Lichaj’s condition, but his halftime departure from Forest’s 4-1 loss to Wigan Athletic over the weekend set off alarm bells considering the start was Lichaj’s first appearance in more than a month.
The injury Lichaj is battling is likely the reason U.S. Men’s National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann chose not to call him in, and now if he misses a month of playing time, Lichaj could see his World Cup hopes fade even more.
Nottingham Forest is currently in fifth place in the English League Championship, and positioned for a place in the promotion playoffs, though a recent three-match winless streak has weakened their hold on that playoff place.