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Add Fabian Johnson to the list of players who could be sidelined for the U.S. Men’s National Team’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Johnson is currently suffering from a flu infection and is expected to miss out on Friday’s trip to Antigua & Barbuda, according to German outlet Kicker. Johnson’s status for next Tuesday’s home game at Livestrong Sporting Park against Guatemala is also in question because of the flu.
The report makes it seem as if Johnson is not currently training with the U.S. in Miami, stating that he could join them this weekend if he recovers from the flu. U.S. Soccer did not respond to the validity of that in an immediate inquiry.
If Johnson is out, he would join Landon Donovan and Brek Shea as players called into this camp that will be unavailable for the final two games of this round of qualifying. It would also leave head coach Jurgen Klinsmann with one less option to deploy out wide, which might force him to call in some replacements.
Jermaine Jones has also arrived in camp carrying an injury.
What do you make of this development? Is it time for Klinsmann to summon some replacements? Who would you like to see Klinsmann turn to if Johnson can’t play?
Share your thoughts below.