The U.S. Men’s National Team has been crippled by injuries to several big stars ahead of World Cup qualifiers, but it appears Bruce Arena may have dodged a bullet when it comes to a likely starting defender.
After undergoing an MRI on Sunday, Hertha Berlin announced that John Brooks has been cleared to join the USMNT for qualifiers against Honduras and Panama. Brooks’ MRI revealed only minor irritation in his meniscus, and the club deemed him fit enough to travel and join the U.S. team.
Brooks reportedly suffered the injury in Saturday’s 4-2 loss to Cologne, a match that saw the defender contribute his first goal of the season. The possibility of Brooks missing out was reportedly the reason behind the decision to call in Matt Besler to U.S. camp.
Nach dem MRT am Sonntagvormittag steht fest, dass John Anthony Brooks wie geplant am Montag zur US-Nationalmannschaft reisen kann. #hahohe
— Hertha BSC (@HerthaBSC) March 19, 2017
Arena’s roster has already undergone massive changes due to injuries to Fabian Johnson and Bobby Wood in the buildup to World Cup qualifiers. Graham Zusi and Sacha Kljestan have joined Besler as replacements added to the squad.
The U.S. returns to action on Friday as World Cup qualifying continues with a match against Honduras.
How generous of them…
Yeah, I know, the club is the one writing his paychecks, but this team has made it a habit to either prevent Brooks from playing international games or, at the very least complaining about the fact that he should be resting and not playing in meaningless CONCACAF qualifiers…
Which makes them just like every other team (at least in UEFA).
This was my immediate thought, too. So, “no go” when he’s healthy but “all good” when he’s not?
He’s a lock starter, not a likely one. Still doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Maligned much like Jones, and just like Jones has often been miles ahead of HIS partner on most days, Brooks has been usually miles ahead of whoever partners him. We’re talking about a young world class center back here with the ability to anchor a team securely for 90 minutes. Tough loss if he cannot go.