Niko Tsakiris
SJEUnited States of America
Left
Jun 19, 2005
20
5'10"
154 lb
AM
CM
Shadow Striker
SJ EarthquakesOut 3-4 months after surgery
Taskiris will remain unavailable for at least three months following surgery to repair a right groin problem, Brian Sciaretta of American Soccer Now reports.
Analysis: Tsakiris has been outstanding in the 2026 season, which is already his best year in terms of offensive production with two goals and four assists over 11 matches played. Therefore, his absence will be a huge blow in San Jose's lineup while also leaving them without their top set-piece taker. The young prospect will be sidelined until after the World Cup break and perhaps a few more weeks. If Timo Werner (hamstring) is not back before Tsakiris, Ousseni Bouda and Nick Fernandez will be the main beneficiaries in terms of playing time.
Set for absence
Tsakiris (undisclosed) is expected to remain out for a while as confirmed by coach Bruce Arena, Favian Renkel of Kickbase MLS reports.
Analysis: Tsakiris might not play until after the World Cup break as he continues to battle the injury that forced him to leave the last match against Toronto. This news leaves San Jose without their best central attacking midfielder and primary set-piece taker alongside the also injured Timo Werner (hamstring). Thus, Nick Fernandez may benefit from the situation going forward. The 20-year-old is the team's leader in assists with four after the first 11 game weeks of the 2026 MLS campaign.
Assists, comes off hurt
Tsakiris was injured and subbed out in the 54th minute of Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Toronto FC. He assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and two corners before exiting the match.
Analysis: Tsakiris recorded his fourth assist of the season, all within the last five matches during the draw Saturday. He did, however leave with an injury in the process. If the midfielder does need to miss time, it will be a significant loss to the team as he recorded two goals with four goals in 11 games played for San Jose.
Delivers assist in victory
Tsakiris assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 4-1 victory versus Los Angeles Football Club.
Analysis: Tsakiris logged his second assist of the MLS season in Sunday's win against LAFC, setting a new career high with the helper that teed up San Jose's final goal as the Earthquakes took over the second half and rolled to a 4-1 victory at BMO Stadium. He dictated the tempo in midfield from start to finish, disrupting LAFC's double pivot with sharp pressing while opening up lanes for Timo Werner and Ousseni Bouda to do damage in the final third. He capped off a dominant showing with three chances created and three corners, pulling the strings all match long.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare