The Canaries forward has been photographed training alone in recent days and will definitely miss Saturday’s friendly against Colombia due to an ankle injury that has been bothering him in recent months.
Sargent struggled to train, played through the pain to help City reach the play-offs and scored 16 goals in 26 league games since returning in the New Year.
He limped off during City’s heavy play-off semi-final defeat to Leeds United last month and is still struggling to return to full fitness.
Berhalter was asked about Sargent’s status in his pre-match press conference and acknowledged a decision would have to be made on the City striker’s status as he finalises his squad in the coming days.
“We’ve been working with Josh both in the gym and on the field, but he won’t be ready to play against Colombia,” Berhalter told reporters at a news conference, according to ESPN.
“We will have to see if he is available for the Brazil match and then decide whether he will be included in the Copa America squad.”
“He’s still recovering from a leg injury. We’re reducing him, then adding a bit more, then testing him and seeing how he is. It’s important for us to prepare him well and see if he’s available.”
If Sargent is unable to play in next Thursday’s match against Brazil in Orlando, it is unlikely he will play in the Copa America.
Berhalter has named a 27-man squad for the summer tournament that includes other striker candidates Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright, and he will be the one missing if Sargent is unable to continue.
The latest news about Sargent’s fitness will add to concerns over his recovery from the serious ankle ligament injury he suffered in the win over Huddersfield last August.
Sargent returned four months later but continues to deal with issues and manage his workload.
