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Fabian Johnson had been expected to be able to recover from a recent illness in time to join the U.S. Men’s National Team for its World Cup Qualifier vs. Guatemala on Tuesday, but his inability to shake off the flu has ruled him out for the all-important group finale.
U.S. Soccer announced on Sunday that Johnson will not be joining the U.S. team in Kansas City ahead of Tuesday’s showdown with Guatemala. As of Sunday, U.S. Soccer had no plans to call in a replacement.
Johnson missed the team’s 2-1 victor in Antigua & Barbuda, with Carlos Bocanegra filling in at left back. U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann could be forced to look elsewhere for left back help after Carlos Bocanegra struggled at the position on Friday, and after Clarence Goodson turned in a shaky showing at centerback.
Michael Parkhurst could get the nod against a Guatemala side that boasts some dangerous threats on the wings, including former Chicago Fire and current Heerenveen midfielder Marco Pappa.
What do you think of this development? Who would you start at left back against Guatemala?
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