Photo by Don Feria/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
Jurgen Klinsmann was apparently not bluffing when he said that Clint Dempsey missed this week’s match against Azerbaijan as a precaution.
Dempsey was a late scratch in the U.S. Men’s National Team’s 2-0 win over Azerbaijan on Tuesday due to groin soreness, but Klinsmann told reporters Thursday that he “definitely” expects the U.S. captain to return to full training on Friday and start in Sunday’s second send-off series friendly versus Turkey at Red Bull Arena.
”A lot of work yesterday. We kind of made sure he’s not going sideways,” said the U.S. head coach of Dempsey. “That was kind of bothering him and worrying him a little bit. He’s all good. Today they have an easy (regeneration) day, travel day. By tomorrow, full speed in training. Everything is good.”
Dempsey – who was replaced in the lineup in San Francisco by Chris Wondolowski – is one of five players on the U.S.’s 23-man roster headed to Brazil that has previously played in a World Cup. The others are DaMarcus Beasley, Tim Howard, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore.
What do you make of this development? Should Dempsey rest one more game or do you see it as vital that he plays against Turkey? Where would you like to see Dempsey deployed positionally?
Share your thoughts below.