Rokas Pukstas was slated as one of the expected names for Mikey Varas’ U.S. Under-20 men’s national team World Cup roster this May, but the talented midfielder will not have the opportunity to feature for his country.

Croatian first division side Hajduk Split announced Thursday that Pukstas will not be released for USMNT U-20 duty at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina. Pukstas’ involvement at the U-20 World Cup would force him to miss Hajduk Split’s final four league matches at the Croatian Cup Final vs. Sibenik on May 24.

The FIFA U-20 World Cup begins on May 20 and concludes June 11.

“We received the invitation from the US Football Association on April 23rd, and since then we have been considering our decision and finally made it in agreement with the player and the association, who understand the fact that Rokas is a standard first team player,” said Hajduk Split’s sports director Mindaugas Nikoličius. “He is very important for us at the end of this season and will remain with the team so that he can participate in the last four league games and in the final of the Croatian Cup.”

Pukstas, 18, has enjoyed early success with Hajduk Split’s first team this season, scoring seven goals and adding three assists in 23 appearances. He’s also excelled for Hajduk Split’s Under-19 squad, scoring twice in the UEFA Youth League, including once in the recent semifinal victory over AC Milan.

In total, Pukstas has logged 2,134 minutes, 10 goals, and five assists in all competitions for Hajduk Split’s senior and Under-19 squads.

Pukstas made four appearances for the USMNT U-20’s during last year’s Concacaf U-20 Championship run. He scored once in a 10-0 rout over Saint Kitts and Nevis while also featuring against Canada, Cuba, and Costa Rica.

The USMNT U-20’s will face Ecuador, Slovakia, and Fiji in group stage play starting on the 20th.