Pulisic called up to USMNT, but Miazga misses out through injury

The season’s first FIFA-mandated international distraction break is looming on the horizon after this weekend’s match against Sheffield United, and that means that international head coaches need to wake from their slumbers and put out the calls for players to join up.

In the case of the US Men’s National Team, that call went out earlier today, including to young Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic. There’s little surprise in Pulisic earning the call-up of course; he’s the great big hope of the nation.

Unfortunately, Pulisic will not be joined by one of his usual teammates, Chelsea loanee Matt Miazga, who picked up a hamstring injury last weekend, barely 10 minutes into Reading’s 2-0 win over (Trevoh Chalobah’s) Huddersfield Town. Miazga had been ever present for the Royals so far this season, and head coach Jose Gomes was hoping the injury was not too severe, but the 24-year-old center back missed Reading’s League Cup match yesterday (Tuesday) and is not expected to feature this coming weekend against (Conor Gallagher’s) Charlton Athletic. Hopefully he’ll recover quickly during the international break.

The full USA squad for their friendlies against Mexico and Uruguay is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS: Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas), Brad Guzan (Atlanta United), Sean Johnson (NYCFC), Zack Steffen (Fortuna Düsseldorf)

DEFENDERS: John Brooks (Wolfsburg), Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas), Sergiño Dest (Ajax), Nick Lima (San Jose Earthquakes), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Daniel Lovitz (Montreal Impact) Tim Ream (Fulham), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United), Walker Zimmerman (LAFC)

MIDFIELDERS: Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy), Weston McKennie (Schalke 04), Alfredo Morales (Fortuna Düsseldorf), Paxton Pomykal (FC Dallas), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC), Jackson Yueill (San Jose Earthquakes)

FORWARDS: Corey Baird (Real Salt Lake), Tyler Boyd (Besiktas), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Josh Sargent (Werder Bremen), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew)