Johnny Cardoso looked back to his old for Atletico Madrid, that is until an early substitution forced him off in Tuesday’s trip to the Camp Nou.

Cardoso was replaced after just 15 minutes on Tuesday as Diego Simeone’s squad fell 3-1 to La Liga leaders Barcelona. The American midfielder had only just returned to action on November 26, playing 59 minutes against Inter Milan in UEFA Champions League action.

Cardoso has been reduced to only four appearances this season in Madrid due to an ankle injury. The New Jersey native made the move from Real Betis to Atletico Madrid this summer, taking another major jump in his club career.

However, the 24-year-old left Tuesday’s match early after holding his knee after a collision with Barcelona’s Dani Olmo. While the head-to-head collision left both players in a tough spot, Cardoso tried to tough it out before eventually being withdrawn.

Cardoso made just four appearances in 2025 for the U.S. men’s national team, with his last involvement coming in last summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. With only one international window remaining until Mauricio Pochettino picks his final World Cup roster, things are not looking good for Cardoso’s chances.

Atletico’s defeat to Barcelona ended its seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions, keeping them six points back of the league leaders. Simeone’s men hit the road to face Athletic Bilbao on Saturday before visiting Dutch giants PSV in UCL play four nights later.