Biggest stars left off USMNT Nations League roster. Latest injury update for Pulisic, Weah
U.S. men's national team head coach Gregg Berhalter said Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah have hamstring injuries that "aren't too serious," but prevented them from making the USMNT's November roster.
The Italy-based duo was omitted from the 24-man squad that will face Trinidad and Tobago in a two-leg CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal on Nov. 16 and 20.
Pulisic was withdrawn from AC Milan's Champions League win over PSG on Tuesday with a hamstring problem. Subsequent tests revealed no major injury, but the 25-year-old won't be ready in time for international duty.
Meanwhile, Weah suffered his injury in a 1-0 Juventus win over Hellas Verona on Oct. 28.
"Both of them, it's not too serious, but unfortunately they aren't going to be able to participate in this camp," Berhalter told reporters after announcing the roster. "We see them on track to get back to play soon, but it's too short of a deadline [for November camp] so they won't be involved."
There are plenty of candidates to replace Pulisic and Weah, who were set to start as outside forwards against T&T. Among that group is Brenden Aaronson, Malik Tillman, Kevin Paredes, Paxten Aaronson, Alex Zendejas, and Gio Reyna.
Berhalter said he is confident twhomever he picks will be able to fill in admirably.
"We're used to this type of thing," Berhalter said. "Think about World Cup qualifying and all the adjustments we've had to make as guys drop off, particularly this time of year as the pitches get heavy and the game schedules get loaded. Players are always at risk.
"We'll adapt, we'll put guys on the field that are prepared and know what we're doing on the field, and will make a good impact."