CHICAGO — Tim Weah has been selected for the U.S. roster as they head into the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals against Jamaica. However, he will be unavailable for coach Mauricio Pochettino’s first competitive match due to an ongoing suspension stemming from his red card during the Copa America match against Panama in June.
Weah received a two-match ban after an incident on June 27, where he struck defender Roderick Miller from behind, contributing to the U.S.’s 2-1 loss that resulted in their premature elimination from the tournament. Following this, the U.S. Soccer Federation made the decision to change coaches, hiring Pochettino to replace Gregg Berhalter.
Last month, Weah had to withdraw from international friendlies against Panama and Mexico due to an ankle injury, but he made a comeback by scoring for Juventus in their recent victory over Torino.
The reigning champions, U.S., will face Jamaica in Kingston on Thursday evening in the first leg of a total-goals series, with a return match set for November 18 in St. Louis.
Additional players included in the 25-man roster are forward Cade Cowell, midfielder Johnny Cardoso, defender Chris Richards, and goalkeeper Diego Kochen, who missed out on the last series of matches.
Several players have been dropped from the roster, including goalkeeper Ethan Horvath and defenders Marlon Fossey and Kristoffer Lund. Key injured players who won’t participate include defenders Sergiño Dest and Cameron Carter-Vickers, as well as midfielders Gio Reyna and Luca De La Torre. Forwards Folarin Balogun, Josh Sargent, and Haji Wright will also be sidelined due to injuries.
Wright, who recently scored his fourth goal in five games for Coventry City, suffered an ankle injury in the process. Tyler Adams, who underwent back surgery and resumed training with Bournemouth on October 26, has been omitted to focus on regaining match fitness with his club.
Chris Richards remains on the roster even though he has not featured for Crystal Palace since September 21, although he was part of the squad for Saturday’s loss against Fulham. Johnny Cardoso also had to step back from the October roster due to injury.
Christian Pulisic stands out as the most seasoned player on the roster, boasting 74 international caps. Players are expected to report to Orlando, Florida, on Sunday and Monday, with the team scheduled to depart for Jamaica on Wednesday.
The roster includes:
Goalkeepers: Diego Kochen (Barcelona Atletic), Patrick Schulte (Columbus), Zack Steffen (Colorado), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace).
Defenders: Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic).
Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds), Gianluca Busio (Venezia), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough), Yunus Musah (AC Milan), Tanner Tessmann (Lyon), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven).
Forwards: Cade Cowell (Guadalajara), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Brandon Vazquez (Monterrey), Tim Weah (Juventus), Alex Zendejas (América).