Few things spike a fan base’s blood pressure faster than watching a key player leave the pitch on a stretcher. Celtic supporters got that exact experience when Auston Trusty collapsed near the by-line in the 91st minute of the US men’s national team’s 2-0 friendly defeat to Portugal.
The good news arrived less than 24 hours later. Trusty took to X to confirm the issue was cramps in both calves, nothing more. “All good,” the defender posted, delivering the kind of two-word medical update that cardiologists everywhere would envy for its brevity and relief.
What actually happened
The incident occurred during what was essentially a tune-up match ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Trusty, 27, went down late in the game with what initially appeared to be a serious left ankle injury.
Here’s the thing: context matters. Celtic’s defensive ranks were already thinned by injuries heading into this international window. Losing Trusty to a significant ankle problem would have compounded an already uncomfortable squad depth situation for the Scottish club.
