Stuart Holden, Steve Cherundolo and Zak Whitbread have been pulled from the U.S. national team roster for the upcoming friendlies against Argentina and Paraguay due to injury.
Holden received 26 stitches near his left knee after suffering an injury in Bolton Wanderers' loss to Manchester United on Saturday. X-rays showed no broken bones, but Holden is expected to be re-evaluated on Sunday.
Cherundolo and Whitbread were dropped from the roster as they nurse nagging groin and back injuries, respectively.
U.S. head coach Bob Bradley has called up Leeds United defender Eric Lichaj as a replacement. Lichaj will likely compete with Timothy Chandler and Jonathan Spector for the starting right back spot.
What do you think of Holden, Cherundolo and Whitbread missing the upcoming U.S. friendlies? How relieved are you to know that Holden's injury isn't as bad as initially feared? Expecting Lichaj, Spector or Chandler to start at right back against Argentina?
Share your thoughts below.
Fischy, the Gold Cup is this summer, and it simply makes no sense to start integrating a new player during an official tournament. As for Davis’ readiness, in 38 minutes Davis had three shots on goal against the Crew (one from a penalty spot) and all resulted in goals (one was diallowed due to an offside call). It’s not like the USMNT has such an abandance of quality options at striker that Davis cannot be brought off the bench in a friendly game.
Can Spector take Holdens spot in the middle. Jones, Bradley, and Spector and Chandler on the right wing, or right back.
Absolutely agree. I made that game, too. Loved the trip and I’d go again if I could get away from work.
Holden out six months, #@$$, *$%#!! NO Gold cup. Poor kid.
The fans absolutely love him there. Maybe he has finally got things coming together for him. It would be a great story to see him work his way back into the national team picture, but you’re absolutely right that he needs to stay put for now.
I’m very happy about Spector’s resurgence, but I think a lot of it has to do with him playing a more attacking role at CM. Although he’s started at a deep mid position, he has been very aggressive in the attack and it has really been a lot of fun to watch, but I don’t know if he’ll get the chance to have that kind of role for the USMNT, which is unfortunate.
As far as him playing right back, he’s a great crosser from that spot, but doesn’t have the type of speed to recover. He’s the type of guy that needs to get a head of steam, and doesn’t have the quickness of a Dolo or Chandler. Maybe with a more stable back line he could do well at right back, but I just think that he might be the odd man out. Defending is simply not his strength.
That being said, I’d hate to see him not rewarded with some PT, as I’ve become a big fan of the guy’s persevearance. He’s gotta lot of heart.
LOL.
How many games did MB90 start for Gladbach and how many did he come “off the branch”? It would be more accurate to say he played 90″ per game for Gladbach and is alternating between riding the pine and coming off the bench for Aston Villa having only been with them for a few weeks.
CD9 CAME OFF THE BENCH for DC United! Sochaux didn’t want him at all!
Also, you’re comparing Gladbach and Aston Villa to DC United?
“he isn’t starting for DC”
So BECAUSE CD9 is not starting for DCU, a team that finished dead last in 2010, a team that starts three forwards… we should call him up to the US team?
Well said.
Didn’t Carlos Bocanegra leave the game this weekend after 55 minutes due to an injury?
Bad back is the word.
Just saw that. Damn.
It wasn’t even a good game. It was a good ten minutes.
why you no want him
He scored a PK and got a gift when Marshall fell down on a long ball.
Try to keep some perspective here.
Any clue what’s the nature of his “injury”?? He played 90 and scored a goal, no?
We could use players with that kind of injury…
I think you’re mad. I’m sitting here in my Davies #9 red DCU jersey, and I’m telling you he ain’t ready for the national team. Let’s talk again this summer….
I think we are being presumptuously positive about Stu. On his twitter account tonight, he said:
Not good news tweeps, speak tomorrow 🙁
Sounds like it could be ligament or cartilage damage.