The United States males’s nationwide workforce will face their historic rivals Mexico within the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup last on Sunday, and so they’ll do it with out a few of their greatest and brightest stars.
In contrast to Mexico, who got here into this event at near-full-strength, the U.S. is lacking a number of key gamers, together with “Captain America” himself, Christian Pulisic. However why will the U.S. be so shorthanded for the ultimate?
Here is a breakdown of why a number of the greatest names within the U.S. participant pool aren’t on the Gold Cup:
Relaxation for Pulisic
Christian Pulisic is not with the U.S. after deciding to sit down out of the Gold Cup following two grueling seasons in Europe with AC Milan. The 26-year-old attacker informed CBS Sports activities that he provided to play the 2 friendlies versus Turkiye and Switzerland earlier than the event began, however coach Mauricio Pochettino turned him down.
“That’s the coach’s choice,” Pulisic stated. “I totally respect that. I did not perceive it, however it’s what it’s.”
Mauricio Pochettino is with out notable gamers corresponding to Christian Pulisic on the Gold Cup. (Picture by Shaun Clark/ISI Photographs/USSF/Getty Photos for USSF)
Throughout a pregame press convention earlier within the event, FOX Sports’ Doug McIntyre requested Pochettino about Pulisic’s feedback, and the previous Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur supervisor didn’t maintain again.
“Gamers don’t want to know,” Pochettino stated. “Gamers have to pay attention and to stay with our plan. They can’t dictate the plan.
“He defined why he solely needed to be concerned in two video games and never the Gold Cup, and I respect that,” added Pochettino. “I perceive him. However I do want that he understands our choice.
“After I signed my contract with the [U.S. Soccer] Federation, I’m the pinnacle coach. I’m not a model.”
Membership World Cup commitments
Weston McKennie is one among a handful of U.S. gamers on the Membership World Cup. (Picture by Robin Alam/ISI Photographs/ISI Photographs through Getty Photos)
Whereas the very best worldwide squads in Concacaf are competing within the Gold Cup, the highest golf equipment on the planet are enjoying within the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, together with Borussia Dortmund, the place Gio Reyna is below contract, and Juventus, the place Weston McKennie and Tim Weah each play.
McKennie appeared in all 4 of Juventus’ Membership World Cup matches earlier than they had been eradicated by Actual Madrid within the Spherical of 16. Weah additionally featured for Juventus throughout the event, however just for a single half. He is been linked with a transfer away from Juventus, however not too long ago turned down a transfer to Premier League membership Nottingham Forest.
Reyna has been probably the most sparsely-used American on the Membership World Cup, enjoying simply 12 minutes in all the event. Dortmund will play Actual Madrid within the semifinals on Saturday.
The injured crew
The US’ beginning fullbacks on the 2022 FIFA World Cup had been each left off of the Gold Cup roster attributable to accidents.
Sergiño Dest, who final appeared for the U.S. in March 2024 attributable to a torn ACL, was dropped from Pochettino’s Gold Cup roster in order that he might proceed his restoration within the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven. He was changed by Holstein Kiel’s John Tolkin on the U.S. roster.
Antonee “Jedi” Robinson had an excellent season within the Premier League with Fulham, however had it reduce quick after present process minor surgical procedure to his proper knee. He is anticipated to be out there for the beginning of the 2025-26 Premier League marketing campaign, which kicks off on August 15.
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