⚡ US defense hit by injuries ahead of friendlies
US national team defender Miles Robinson will miss the upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal due to a thigh injury, while Chris Richards is also expected to miss both matches because of a knee problem, leaving limited options at the back ahead of the World Cup squad announcement 🇺🇸💪.
🟣 Available defenders
Only Tim Ream, Mark McKenzie, and Austin Trusty are available as central defenders for Saturday’s match against Belgium. Pochettino added that full-back Gio Scalzi and defensive midfielder Tanner Tessman are also options in central defense. The US has been using a three-center-back formation since September.
🔥 Injury details
Robinson got injured during Tuesday training, while Richards could not complete Wednesday’s session due to knee pain, after partial participation on Tuesday. This rules him out for Saturday and possibly Tuesday as well.
💡 Pochettino’s approach
The coach highlighted that dealing with these injury-related changes now could help the team better prepare for the World Cup, emphasizing the need to evaluate all available options amid changing circumstances.
