Photo by John Todd/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
Two of the U.S. Men’s National Team’s most dynamic offensive weapons will not be suiting up in the upcoming friendlies.
U.S. Soccer announced on Wednesday afternoon that Clint Dempsey and Fabian Johnson have been forced to withdraw from the roster that is currently in Europe preparing for friendlies against Scotland and Austria. Dempsey suffered a right calf strain in training on Wednesday morning in Glasgow while Johnson is still dealing with the nagging right ankle knock that he only recently returned from.
No replacements will be added by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, leaving the current roster at 21 players.
The Americans take on Scotland on Friday before closing out 2013 with a game in Austria on Nov. 19.
Here is the updated U.S. roster:
Goalkeepers: Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Tim Howard (Everton), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire)
Defenders: DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest), Michael Orozco (Puebla)
Midfielders: Alejandro Bedoya (FC Nantes), Michael Bradley (Roma), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Jermaine Jones (Schalke), Sacha Kljestan (Anderlecht), Brek Shea (Stoke City)
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Terrence Boyd (Rapid Vienna), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders FC), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
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What do you think of Dempsey and Johnson withdrawing from the U.S. roster because of injuries? Still think the Americans can win both of their upcoming matches without them? Who do you think this opens the door for in Friday’s friendly vs. Scotland?
Share your thoughts below.